MBS item

71059
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Laboratory test to identify and characterize abnormal proteins (paraproteins or cryoglobulins) in serum, urine, or other body fluids using immunofixation, immunoelectrophoresis, or isoelectric focusing; includes detection of Bence Jones proteins in u…

Category 6 · Pathology services[Group P4](/groups/P4)

Schedule fee$37.45

100% benefitGP, out of hospital—

85% benefitOut of hospital$31.85

75% benefitIn hospital$28.10

The schedule fee for MBS item 71059 is $37.45. Medicare pays $31.85 (85%) out of hospital, or $28.10 (75%) for a privately admitted patient in hospital. Fee effective 1 July 2026.

Gap for what you charge
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Your fee$

Out of hospitalIn hospital (private)

Medicare pays$31.85

Patient gap$5.60

Bulk billing means accepting $31.85 as full payment, with no gap and no extra charges. [Add incentives](/bulk-billing?item=71059)

Item descriptor
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Immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis or isoelectric focusing of: (a) urine for detection of Bence Jones proteins; or (b) serum, plasma or other body fluid; and characterisation of a paraprotein or cryoglobulin - examination of 1 specimen type (eg. serum, urine or CSF)

[Explanatory notes and rules on MBS Online ↗](https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=71059)

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

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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=71059) before billing. This is a reference tool, not billing or financial advice.