Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 45202

Search Results for Item 45202

View Associated Notes

Category 3 - THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES

45202

45202 - Additional Information

Item Start Date:
01-Nov-2016
Description Updated:
01-Nov-2016
Schedule Fee Updated:
01-Nov-2023

Group
T8 - Surgical Operations
Subgroup
13 - Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery
Subheading
2 - Skin Flap Surgery

Muscle, myocutaneous or skin flap, where clinically indicated to repair one surgical excision made in the removal of a malignant or non-malignant skin lesion in a patient, if the clinical relevance of the procedure is clearly annotated in the patient's record and either:

(a)     item 45201 applies and additional flap repair is required for the same defect; or

(b)     item 45201 does not apply and either:

    (i)     the patient has severe pre-existing scarring, severe skin atrophy or sclerodermoid changes; or

    (ii)     the repair is contiguous with a free margin

Multiple Operation Rule

(Anaes.)

Fee: $455.60 Benefit: 75% = $341.70 85% = $387.30

(See para TN.8.93, TN.8.126 of explanatory notes to this Category)


Associated Notes

Category 3 - THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES

TN.8.93

Local Skin Flap - Definition

Medicare benefits for flaps are only payable when clinically appropriate. Clinically appropriate in this instance means that the flap or graft is required to close the defect because the defect cannot be closed directly, or because the flap is required to adapt scar position optimally with regard to skin creases or landmarks,maintain contour on the face or neck, or prevent distortion of adjacent structures or apertures. 

A local skin flap is an area of skin and subcutaneous tissue designed to be elevated from the skin adjoining a defect requiring closure. The flap remains partially attached by its pedicle and is moved into the defect by rotation, advancement or transposition, or a combination of these manoeuvres. A benefit is only payable when the flap is required for adequate wound closure. A secondary defect will be created which may be closed by direct suture, skin grafting or sometimes a further local skin flap. This later procedure will also attract benefit if closed by graft or flap repair but not when closed by direct suture. 

By definition, direct wound closure (e.g. by suture) does not constitute skin flap repair. Similarly, angled, curved or trapdoor incisions which are used for exposure and which are sutured back in the same position relative to the adjacent tissues are not skin flap repairs. Undermining of the edges of a wound prior to suturing is considered a normal part of wound closure and is not considered a skin flap repair. 

A "Z" plasty is a particular type of transposition flap repair. Although 2 flaps are created, benefit will be paid on the basis of Item 45201, claimable once per defect.  Additional flaps are to be claimed under Item 45202, if clinically indicated. 

Note: refer to TN.8.126 for MBS item 45202 for circumstances where other services might involve flap repair.

 

Related Items: 45200 45201 45202 45203 45206

Category 3 - THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES

TN.8.126

Flap Repair - (Item 45202)

Practitioners must only perform a muscle or skin flap repair where clinical need can be clearly evidenced (i.e. where a patient hassevere pre-existing scarring, severe skin atrophy, sclerodermoid changes or where the defect is contiguous witha free margin).

Clinical evidence may be supported by patient notes, photographs of the affected area and pathology reports.

Related Items: 45202


Legend

  • Assist - Addition/Deletion of (Assist.)
  • Amend - Amended Description
  • Anaes - Anaesthetic Values Amended
  • Emsn - EMSN Change
  • Fee - Fee Amended
  • Renum - Item Number Change (renumbered)
  • New - New Item
  • NewMin - New Item (previous Ministerial Determination)
  • Qfe - QFE Change