MBS item

69345
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Faecal culture and microscopy for bacterial pathogens using selective media and multiple atmospheres, plus pathogen ID, antibiotic testing, and optional toxin detection; limited to one examination per 7 days.

Category 6 · Pathology services[Group P3](/groups/P3)

Schedule fee$52.90

100% benefitGP, out of hospital—

85% benefitOut of hospital$45.00

75% benefitIn hospital$39.70

The schedule fee for MBS item 69345 is $52.90. Medicare pays $45.00 (85%) out of hospital, or $39.70 (75%) for a privately admitted patient in hospital. Fee effective 1 January 2013.

Gap for what you charge
-----------------------

Your fee$

Out of hospitalIn hospital (private)

Medicare pays$45.00

Patient gap$7.90

Bulk billing means accepting $45.00 as full payment, with no gap and no extra charges. [Add incentives](/bulk-billing?item=69345)

Item descriptor
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Culture and (if performed) microscopy without concentration techniques of faeces for faecal pathogens, using at least 2 selective or enrichment media and culture in at least 2 different atmospheres including (if performed): (a) pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing; and (b) the detection of clostridial toxins; and (c) a service described in item 69300; - 1 examination in any 7 day period

[Explanatory notes and rules on MBS Online ↗](https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=69345)

Health fund and DVA rates
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Total fee each scheme recognises for this item in hospital.

StateNSWVICQLDSAWATASACTNT

Guides
------

- [How Medicare benefits work: schedule fees, 75%, 85% and 100%](/guides/how-medicare-benefits-work)
- [Medicare safety nets explained: original and extended (EMSN) thresholds for 2026](/guides/medicare-safety-nets)
- [In-hospital billing: the 75% benefit, the 25% fund benefit, and no-gap and known-gap schemes](/guides/in-hospital-billing-and-gap-cover)
- [Bulk billing incentives and BBPIP explained: 2026 amounts by MM area](/guides/bulk-billing-incentives)
- [The MBS multiple operation rule and surgical assistant fees](/guides/multiple-operation-rule)
- [Assignment of benefit for bulk billing: the changes from 1 July 2026](/guides/assignment-of-benefit-2026)
- [MBS telehealth rules: the eligible telehealth practitioner and phone items](/guides/mbs-telehealth-rules)
- [GP chronic condition management plans: items 965 and 967 explained](/guides/chronic-condition-management-plans)
- [Medicare billing compliance: claim time limits, records and the 80/20 rule](/guides/medicare-billing-compliance)

Data source: [Australian Government Medicare Benefits Schedule](https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/) · Record updated 1 September 2026. Health fund rates come from each fund's published schedule. Verify item descriptors, rules and fees on [MBS Online](https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=69345) before billing. This is a reference tool, not billing or financial advice.