Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note AN.0.32

Intention of these items:

Items 341, 343, 345, 347 and 349 and telehealth equivalent items 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 are for the purpose of interviews with patient relatives or close associates to investigate the particular problem with which the patient presented or the interaction between the patient and the person interviewed. The items also provide for interviews concerned with the continuing management of the patient, focusing on clinically relevant problems rising in the management of the patient.

These items do not cover counselling of family or friends of the patient.

Referral requirements:

The patient who is the subject of the interview needs a referral to attend the psychiatrist in the first place, however the non-patient contacts who are interviewed do not require their own referral.

Claiming of Medicare benefits:

The payment of Medicare benefits under these items is limited to a total of 15 services in a calendar year. 

For Medicare benefit purposes, claims relating to services covered by items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349 and telehealth equivalent items 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 should be raised against the patient rather than against the person interviewed.

Same day attendance items:

Medicare benefits are payable on the same day for an interview under any of items 341, 343, 345, 347 and 349 or telehealth equivalent items 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 and for a consultation with a patient (under item 291, 293, 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 319, 320, 322, 324, 326 or 328) provided that separate attendances are involved. This item can only be claimed if the interviewee attends without the patient. 

Related Items: 291 293 296 297 299 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 319 320 322 324 326 328 341 343 345 347 349 91874 91875 91876 91877 91878 91882 91883 91884

• Previous - Note AN.0.31
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Professional attendance lasting more than 45 minutes at consulting rooms by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry, if:

(a) the attendance follows referral of the patient to the consultant, by a medical practitioner in general practice (including a general practitioner, but not a specialist or consultant physician) or a participating nurse practitioner, for an assessment or management; and

(b) during the attendance, the consultant:

(i) if it is clinically appropriate to do so—uses an appropriate outcome tool; and

(ii) carries out a mental state examination; and

(iii) undertakes a comprehensive diagnostic assessment; and

(c) the consultant decides that it is clinically appropriate for the patient to be managed by the referring practitioner without ongoing management by the consultant; and

(d) within 2 weeks after the attendance, the consultant prepares and gives to the referring practitioner a written report, which includes:

(i) the comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the patient; and

(ii) a management plan for the patient for the next 12 months that comprehensively evaluates the patient’s biopsychosocial factors and makes recommendations to the referring practitioner to manage the patient’s ongoing care in a biopsychosocial model; and

(e) if clinically appropriate, the consultant explains the diagnostic assessment and management plan, and gives a copy, to:

(i) the patient; and

(ii) the patient’s carer (if any), if the patient agrees; and

(f) in the preceding 12 months, a service to which this item or item 92435 applies has not been provided to the patient

Fee: $505.70 Benefit: 85% = $429.85

(See para AN.0.30, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance lasting more than 30 minutes, but not more than 45 minutes, at consulting rooms by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry, if:

(a) the patient is being managed by a medical practitioner or a participating nurse practitioner in accordance with a management plan prepared by the consultant in accordance with item 291 or item 92435; and

(b) the attendance follows referral of the patient to the consultant, by the medical practitioner or participating nurse practitioner managing the patient, for review of the management plan and the associated comprehensive diagnostic assessment; and

(c) during the attendance, the consultant:

(i) if it is clinically appropriate to do so—uses an appropriate outcome tool; and

(ii) carries out a mental state examination; and

(iii) reviews the comprehensive diagnostic assessment and undertakes additional assessment as required; and

(iv) reviews the management plan; and

(d) within 2 weeks after the attendance, the consultant prepares and gives to the referring practitioner a written report, which includes:

(i) the revised comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the patient; and

(ii) a revised management plan including updated recommendations to the referring practitioner to manage the patient’s ongoing care in a biopsychosocial model; and

(e) if clinically appropriate, the consultant explains the diagnostic assessment and management plan, and gives a copy, to:

(i) the patient; and

(ii) the patient’s carer (if any), if the patient agrees; and

(f) in the preceding 12 months, a service to which item 291 or item 92435 applies has been provided to the patient; and

(g) in the preceding 12 months, a service to which this item or item 92436 applies has not been provided to the patient

Fee: $316.15 Benefit: 85% = $268.75

(See para AN.0.30, AN.0.32, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance of more than 45 minutes in duration by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's speciality of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance at consulting rooms if the patient:

(a) is a new patient for this consultant psychiatrist; or

(b) has not received a professional attendance from this consultant psychiatrist in the preceding 24 months;

other than attendance on a patient in relation to whom this item, or any of items 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 has applied in the preceding 24 months

Fee: $290.85 Benefit: 75% = $218.15 85% = $247.25

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance of more than 45 minutes by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's speciality of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance at hospital if the patient:

(a) is a new patient for this consultant psychiatrist; or

(b) has not received a professional attendance from this consultant psychiatrist in the preceding 24 months;

other than attendance on a patient in relation to whom this item, or any of items 296, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 has applied in the preceding 24 months (H)

Fee: $290.85 Benefit: 75% = $218.15

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance of more than 45 minutes by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's speciality of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance at a place other than consulting rooms or a hospital if the patient:

(a) is a new patient for this consultant psychiatrist; or

(b) has not received a professional attendance from this consultant psychiatrist in the preceding 24 months;

other than attendance on a patient in relation to whom this item, or any of items 296, 297, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 has applied in the preceding 24 months

Fee: $347.75 Benefit: 85% = $295.60

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance of not more than 15 minutes in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies have not exceeded 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $48.40 Benefit: 75% = $36.30 85% = $41.15

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 15 minutes, but not more than 30 minutes, in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies have not exceeded 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $96.60 Benefit: 75% = $72.45 85% = $82.15

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 30 minutes, but not more than 45 minutes, in duration at consulting rooms), if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies have not exceeded 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $148.70 Benefit: 75% = $111.55 85% = $126.40

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 45 minutes, but not more than 75 minutes, in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies have not exceeded 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $205.20 Benefit: 75% = $153.90 85% = $174.45

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to him or her by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 75 minutes in duration at consulting rooms), if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies have not exceeded 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $238.15 Benefit: 75% = $178.65 85% = $202.45

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.30, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.75, AN.0.76, AN.40.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of not more than 15 minutes in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies exceed 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $24.10 Benefit: 75% = $18.10 85% = $20.50

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 15 minutes, but not more than 30 minutes, in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies exceed 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $48.40 Benefit: 75% = $36.30 85% = $41.15

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 30 minutes, but not more than 45 minutes, in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies exceed 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $74.55 Benefit: 75% = $55.95 85% = $63.40

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 45 minutes, but not more than 75 minutes, in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies exceed 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $102.70 Benefit: 75% = $77.05 85% = $87.30

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 75 minutes in duration at consulting rooms, if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839 and 92437 applies exceed 50 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $119.10 Benefit: 75% = $89.35 85% = $101.25

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner—an attendance lasting more than 45 minutes at consulting rooms, if:

(a) the formulation of the patient’s clinical presentation indicates intensive psychotherapy is a clinically appropriate and indicated treatment; and

(b) that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 296, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 91827 to 91831, 91837 to 91839, 91873 and 92437 applies have not exceeded 160 attendances in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $205.20 Benefit: 75% = $153.90 85% = $174.45

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.31, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of not more than 15 minutes in duration at hospital

Fee: $48.40 Benefit: 75% = $36.30 85% = $41.15

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 15 minutes, but not more than 30 minutes, in duration at hospital

Fee: $96.60 Benefit: 75% = $72.45 85% = $82.15

(See para AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 30 minutes, but not more than 45 minutes, in duration at hospital

Fee: $148.70 Benefit: 75% = $111.55 85% = $126.40

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 45 minutes, but not more than 75 minutes, in duration at hospital

Fee: $205.20 Benefit: 75% = $153.90 85% = $174.45

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner-an attendance of more than 75 minutes in duration at hospital

Fee: $238.15 Benefit: 75% = $178.65 85% = $202.45

(See para AN.0.25, AN.0.32, AN.0.76 of explanatory notes to this Category)

An interview, lasting not more than 15 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner, for the purposes of:

(a) initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b) continuing management of the patient;

if that service and another service to which this item or any of items 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 services in a calendar year in relation to the patient

Fee: $48.40 Benefit: 75% = $36.30 85% = $41.15

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

An interview, lasting more than 15 minutes but not more than 30 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner, for the purposes of:

(a) initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b) continuing management of the patient;

if that service and another service to which this item or any of items 341, 345, 347, 349, 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 services in a calendar year in relation to the patient

Fee: $96.60 Benefit: 75% = $72.45 85% = $82.15

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

An interview, lasting more than 30 minutes but not more than 45 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner, for the purposes of:

(a) initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b) continuing management of the patient;

if that service and another service to which this item or any of items 341, 343, 347, 349, 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 services in a calendar year in relation to the patient

Fee: $148.70 Benefit: 75% = $111.55 85% = $126.40

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

An interview, lasting more than 45 minutes but not more than 75 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner, for the purposes of:

(a) initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b) continuing management of the patient;

if that service and another service to which this item or any of items 341, 343, 345, 349, 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 services in a calendar year in relation to the patient

Fee: $205.20 Benefit: 75% = $153.90 85% = $174.45

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

An interview, lasting more than 75 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner, for the purposes of:

(a) initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b) continuing management of the patient;

if that service and another service to which this item or any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 91874 to 91878 and 91882 to 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 services in a calendar year in relation to the patient

Fee: $238.15 Benefit: 75% = $178.65 85% = $202.45

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Telehealth attendance involving an interview, lasting not more than 15 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91875, 91876, 91877, 91878, 91882, 91883 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $48.40 Benefit: 75% = $36.30 85% = $41.15

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Telehealth attendance involving an interview, lasting more than 15 minutes but not more than 30 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry, following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)   continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874, 91876, 91877, 91878, 91882, 91883 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $96.60 Benefit: 75% = $72.45 85% = $82.15

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Telehealth attendance involving an interview, lasting more than 30 minutes but not more than 45 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician's specialty of psychiatry, following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874, 91875, 91877, 91878, 91882, 91883 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $148.70 Benefit: 75% = $111.55 85% = $126.40

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Telehealth attendance involving an interview, lasting more than 45 minutes but not more than 75 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry, following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

 if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874, 91875, 91876 91878, 91882, 91883 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $205.20 Benefit: 75% = $153.90 85% = $174.45

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Telehealth attendance involving an interview, lasting more than 75 minutes, of a person other than the patient, when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry, following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874, 91875, 91876, 91877, 91882, 91883 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $238.15 Benefit: 75% = $178.65 85% = $202.45

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Phone attendance involving an interview, lasting not more than 15 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874 to 91878, 91883 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $48.40 Benefit: 75% = $36.30 85% = $41.15

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Phone attendance involving an interview, lasting more than 15 minutes but not more than 30 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874 to 91878, 91882 or 91884 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $96.60 Benefit: 75% = $72.45 85% = $82.15

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Phone attendance involving an interview, lasting more than 30 minutes but not more than 45 minutes, of a person other than the patient when the patient is not in attendance, by a consultant physician in the practice of the consultant physician’s specialty of psychiatry following referral of the patient to the consultant physician by a referring practitioner for the purposes of:

(a)    initial diagnostic evaluation; or

(b)    continuing management of the patient;

if that attendance and another attendance to which any of items 341, 343, 345, 347, 349, 91874 to 91878, 91882 or 91883 applies have not exceeded 15 in a calendar year for the patient

Fee: $148.70 Benefit: 75% = $111.55 85% = $126.40

(See para AN.0.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)