Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note AN.0.39

Items 701, 703, 705 and 707 may be used to undertake a health assessment for people aged 75 years and older. 

A health assessment for people aged 75 years and older is an assessment of a patient's health and physical, psychological and social function for the purpose of initiating preventive health care and/or medical interventions as appropriate. 

This health assessment must include:

(a) measurement of the patient's blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm;

(b) an assessment of the patient's medication;

(c) an assessment of the patient's continence;

(d) an assessment of the patient's immunisation status for influenza, tetanus and pneumococcus;

(e) an assessment of the patient's physical function, including the patient's activities of daily living, and whether or not the patient has had a fall in the last 3 months;

(f) an assessment of the patient's psychological function, including the patient's cognition and mood; and

(g) an assessment of the patient's social function, including the availability and adequacy of paid and unpaid help, and whether the patient is responsible for caring for another person.

(h) A health assessment for people aged 75 years and older may be claimed once every twelve months by an eligible patient.

Related Items: 701 703 705 707

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Professional attendance by a general practitioner  to perform a brief health assessment, lasting not more than 30 minutes and including:

(a) collection of relevant information, including taking a patient history; and

(b) a basic physical examination; and

(c) initiating interventions and referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing the patient with preventive health care advice and information

Fee: $65.30 Benefit: 100% = $65.30

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a general practitioner to perform a standard health assessment, lasting more than 30 minutes but less than 45 minutes, including:

(a) detailed information collection, including taking a patient history; and

(b) an extensive physical examination; and

(c) initiating interventions and referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing a preventive health care strategy for the patient

Fee: $151.80 Benefit: 100% = $151.80

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a general practitioner  to perform a long health assessment, lasting at least 45 minutes but less than 60 minutes, including:

(a) comprehensive information collection, including taking a patient history; and

(b) an extensive examination of the patient's medical condition and physical function; and

(c) initiating interventions and referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing a basic preventive health care management plan for the patient

Fee: $209.45 Benefit: 100% = $209.45

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a general practitioner to perform a prolonged health assessment (lasting at least 60 minutes) including:

(a) comprehensive information collection, including taking a patient history; and

(b) an extensive examination of the patient's medical condition, and physical, psychological and social function; and

(c) initiating interventions or referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing a comprehensive preventive health care management plan for the patient

Fee: $295.90 Benefit: 100% = $295.90

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)