Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note TN.8.102

Benefits are payable under items 45587 and 45588 for face lift operations performed in hospital to correct soft tissue abnormalities of the face due to causes other than the ageing process, including trauma, a congenital condition or disease.

Where bilateral meloplasty is indicated because of congenital malformation for conditions such as drooling from the angles of the mouth and deep pitting of the skin resulting from disease or trauma (but not as a result of previous cosmetic surgery), item 45588 applies.  

Full clinical details must be documented in patient notes, including pre-operative photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence demonstrating the clinical need for the service as this may be subject to audit.

Related Items: 45587 45588

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Multiple Operation Rule

Meloplasty for correction of facial asymmetry if:

(a) the asymmetry is secondary to trauma (including previous surgery), a congenital condition or a medical condition (such as facial nerve palsy); and

(b) the meloplasty is limited to one side of the face

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $980.60 Benefit: 75% = $735.45

(See para TN.8.102 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Multiple Operation Rule

Meloplasty (excluding browlifts and chinlift platysmaplasties), bilateral, if:

(a) surgery is indicated to correct a functional impairment due to a congenital condition, disease (excluding post-acne scarring) or trauma (other than trauma resulting from previous elective cosmetic surgery); and

(b) photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence demonstrating the clinical need for this service is documented in the patient notes

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $1,470.95 Benefit: 75% = $1,103.25

(See para TN.8.102 of explanatory notes to this Category)