Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 15960

Complex construction and manufacture of a personalised brachytherapy applicator or mould, derived from three dimensional image volume datasets, to treat intracavitary, intraoral or intranasal site, including the removal of applicators, catheters or needles

Fee: $146.80 Benefit: 75% = $110.10 85% = $124.80

(See para TN.2.5, TN.2.7 of explanatory notes to this Category)

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For each course of treatment there may be multiple applicator insertions. Each insertion is considered a new attendance (or episode of care). For each attendance there may be a claim for the relevant descriptors for items 15958-15984, including:

(a)     insertion of the applicator;

(b)     simulation and dosimetry;

(c)     treatment;

(d)     verification; and

(e)     re-planning, if required.

Final dosimetry plans must be validated by both the radiation therapist and medical physicist, using quality assurance processes, with the plan approved by the radiation oncologist prior to the delivery, which must include ensuring data transfer is acceptable and validation checks are completed.

Related Items: 15958 15960 15962 15964 15966 15968 15970 15972 15974 15976 15978 15980 15982 15984

Multi-disciplinary team involvement may be required for items relating to applicator insertion (Items 15958-15968). This may include a:

(a)     Gynaecological oncologist; or

(b)     Urologist; or

(c)     Breast surgeon; or

(d)     Thoracic surgeon; or

(e)     Vascular surgeon; or

(f)      Gastro-intestinal surgeon; or

(g)     Plastic surgeon; or

(h)     General surgeon; or

(i)       Interventional radiologist; or

(j)       Ophthalmic surgeon.

Related Items: 15958 15960 15962 15964 15966 15968