Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 45564

Free transfer of tissue (reconstructive surgery) for the repair of major tissue defect of the head and neck or other non-breast defect, using microvascular techniques, all necessary elements of the operation including (but not limited to):
(a) anastomoses of all required vessels; and
(b) raising of tissue on a vascular pedicle; and
(c) preparation of recipient vessels; and
(d) transfer of tissue; and
(e) insetting of tissue at recipient site; and
(f) direct repair of secondary cutaneous defect, if performed;
other than a service associated with a service to which item 30166, 30169, 30175, 30176, 30177, 30179, 45501, 45502, 45504, 45505, 45507, 45562 or 45567 applies—conjoint surgery, principal specialist surgeon (H)

Multiple Operation Rule

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $2,900.85 Benefit: 75% = $2,175.65

(See para TN.8.8 of explanatory notes to this Category)

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Lipectomy is not intended as a primary bariatric procedure to correct obesity. MBS benefits are not available for surgery performed for cosmetic purposes. 

For the purpose of informing patient eligibility for lipectomy items (30166, 30169, 30177 and 30179) for the management of significant weight loss (SWL), SWL is defined as a weight loss equivalent to at least five body mass index (BMI) units. Weight must have been stable for at least six months prior to lipectomy, following SWL.

For SWL that has occurred following pregnancy, the products of conception must not be included in the calculation of baseline weight to measure weight loss against. 

The lipectomy items cannot be claimed in association with items 45530, 45531, 45564, 45565 and 45567. Where the abdomen requires surgical closure with reconstruction of the umbilicus following free tissue transfer (45564, 45565, 45567) or breast reconstruction (45530, 45531), item 45571 is to be claimed.

Related Items: 30166 30169 30175 30177 30179 45530 45531 45564 45565 45567 45571