Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note AN.0.40

Items 701, 703, 705 and 707 may be used to undertake a comprehensive medical assessment of a resident of a residential aged care facility

This health assessment requires assessment of the resident's health and physical and psychological function, and must include:

(a) making a written summary of the comprehensive medical assessment;

(b) developing a list of diagnoses and medical problems based on the medical history and examination;

(c) providing a copy of the summary to the residential aged care facility; and

(d) offering the resident a copy of the summary. 

A residential aged care facility is a facility in which residential care services, as defined in the Aged Care Act 1997, are provided.  This includes facilities that were formerly known as nursing homes and hostels.  A person is a resident of a residential aged care facility if the person has been admitted as a permanent resident of that facility. 

This health assessment is available to new residents on admission into a residential aged care facility. It is recommended that new residents should receive the health assessment as soon as possible after admission, preferably within six weeks following admission into a residential aged care facility. 

A health assessment for the purpose of a comprehensive medical assessment of a resident of a residential aged care facility may be claimed by an eligible patient:

(a) on admission to a residential aged care facility, provided that a comprehensive medical assessment has not already been provided in another residential aged care facility within the previous 12 months; and

(b) at 12 month intervals thereafter.

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)