View Associated Notes
Category 2 - DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND INVESTIGATIONS
11512 - Additional Information
Measurement of spirometry:
(a) that includes continuous measurement of the relationship between flow and volume during expiration or during expiration and inspiration, performed before and after inhalation of a bronchodilator; and
(b) that is performed with a respiratory scientist in continuous attendance; and
(c) that is performed in a respiratory laboratory equipped to perform complex lung function tests; and
(d) that is performed under the supervision of a specialist or consultant physician who is responsible for staff training, supervision, quality assurance and the issuing of written reports; and
(e) for which a permanently recorded tracing and written report is provided; and
(f) for which 3 or more spirometry recordings are performed;
each occasion at which one or more such tests are performed
Not applicable for a service associated with a service to which item 11503 or 11507 applies
Fee: $70.40 Benefit: 75% = $52.80 85% = $59.85
(See para DN.1.20 of explanatory notes to this Category)
Associated Notes
Category 2 - DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND INVESTIGATIONS
DN.1.20
Spirometry (Items 11505, 11506 and 11512)
Specialists and consultant physicians providing services under item 11512 should successfully complete a substantial course of study and training in respiratory medicine, which has been endorsed by a professional medical organisation. Specialists and consultant physicians should keep appropriate records of this training.
Spirometry services billed to the MBS should meet international quality standards (Eur Respir J 2005; 26: 319–338).
The National Asthma Council’s Australian Asthma Handbook (2016) and Lung Foundation Australia’s and Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand’s COPD-X Plan advise that properly performed spirometry is required to confirm airflow limitation and the diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD. Reversibility testing is the standard required for asthma diagnosis. The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed with post bronchodilator spirometry. Item 11505 should not be repeated when diagnosis has been previously confirmed by properly performed spirometry. To meet quality requirements patients must have three acceptable tests for each testing period (pre/post bronchodilator), and meet repeatability criteria with the best effort recorded. Spirometry should be performed by a person who has undergone training and is qualified to perform it to recommended standards (see Spirometry Handbook, National Asthma Council of Australia (https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/health-professionals/information-paper/spirometry-handbook ) and ATS/ERS Standardisation of spirometry paper (http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/erj/26/2/319.full.pdf).
Legend
- Assist - Addition/Deletion of (Assist.)
- Amend - Amended Description
- Anaes - Anaesthetic Values Amended
- Emsn - EMSN Change
- Fee - Fee Amended
- Renum - Item Number Change (renumbered)
- New - New Item
- NewMin - New Item (previous Ministerial Determination)
- Qfe - QFE Change