MBS item

71135
=====

Testing of neutrophil function (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, oxidative metabolism, or bactericidal activity) with at least 2 components measured; maximum 2 tests per 12 months.

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

Schedule fee$218.50

100% benefitGP, out of hospital—

85% benefitOut of hospital$185.75

75% benefitIn hospital$163.90

The schedule fee for MBS item 71135 is $218.50. Medicare pays $185.75 (85%) out of hospital, or $163.90 (75%) for a privately admitted patient in hospital. Fee effective 1 July 2026.

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

Your fee$

Out of hospitalIn hospital (private)

Medicare pays$185.75

Patient gap$32.75

Bulk billing means accepting $185.75 as full payment, with no gap and no extra charges. [Add incentives](/bulk-billing?item=71135)

Item descriptor
---------------

Quantitation of neutrophil function, comprising at least 2 of the following: (a) chemotaxis; (b) phagocytosis; (c) oxidative metabolism; (d) bactericidal activity; including any test described in items 65066, 65070, 71133 or 71134 (if performed), 1 of this item to a maximum of 2 in a 12 month period

[Explanatory notes and rules on MBS Online ↗](https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=71135)

Health fund and DVA rates
-------------------------

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=71135) before billing. This is a reference tool, not billing or financial advice.