Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 18228

Interpleural block, initial injection or commencement of infusion of a therapeutic substance, not in association with a service to which an item in Group T8 applies, unless the nerve block is performed using a targeted percutaneous approach

Fee: $71.25 Benefit: 75% = $53.45 85% = $60.60

(See para TN.7.1 of explanatory notes to this Category)

• Previous - Item 18227
• Next - Item 18230

A nerve block is interpreted as the anaesthetising of a substantial segment of the body innervated by a large nerve or an area supplied by a smaller nerve where the technique demands expert anatomical knowledge and a high degree of precision. 

Where anaesthesia combines a regional nerve block with general anaesthesia for an operative procedure, benefit will be paid only under the relevant anaesthesia item as set out in Group T10. 

Where a regional or field nerve block is administered by a medical practitioner other than the practitioner carrying out the operation, the block attracts benefits under the Group T10 anaesthesia item and not the block item in Group T7. 

If not stipulated in the item descriptor, when a regional nerve block or field nerve block covered by an item in Group T7 of the Schedule is administered by a medical practitioner in the course of a surgical procedure undertaken by the same medical practitioner, then such a block will attract benefit under the appropriate item in Group T7.

If stipulated in the item descriptor, when a regional nerve block or field nerve block covered by an item in Group T7 of the Schedule is administered by a medical practitioner in the course of a surgical procedure the block will not attract benefit under the relevant item in Group T7 unless the block has been performed using a targeted percutaneous approach. If the block has been performed using a targeted percutaneous approach this must be noted on the Medicare claim.

When a block is carried out in cases not associated with an operation, such as for pain or during labour, the service falls under Group T7. 

Digital ring analgesia, local infiltration into tissue surrounding a lesion or paracervical (uterine) analgesia are not eligible for the payment of Medicare benefits under items within Group T7.  Where procedures are carried out with local infiltration or digital block as the means of anaesthesia, that anaesthesia is considered to be part of the procedure.

Related Items: 18228 18232 18234 18236 18238 18244 18252 18254 18262 18264 18266 18278 18280