Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note TN.7.2

Medicare benefit is attracted under these items only when the service is performed other than by the operating surgeon.  This does not preclude benefits for an obstetrician performing an epidural block during labour. 

When the service is performed by the operating surgeon during the post-operative period of an operation it is considered to be part of the normal aftercare.  In these circumstances a Medicare benefit is not attracted.

Related Items: 18222 18225

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Continuous infusion or injection by catheter of a therapeutic substance (not contrast agent) to maintain regional anaesthesia or analgesia, subsequent injection or revision of, if the period of continuous medical practitioner attendance is 15 minutes or less

Fee: $41.45 Benefit: 75% = $31.10 85% = $35.25

(See para TN.7.2, TN.10.7 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Continuous infusion or injection by catheter of a therapeutic substance (not contrast agent) to maintain regional anaesthesia or analgesia, subsequent injection or revision of, if the period of continuous medical practitioner attendance is more than 15 minutes

Fee: $55.05 Benefit: 75% = $41.30 85% = $46.80

(See para TN.7.2, TN.10.7 of explanatory notes to this Category)