Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 32511

Varicose veins, complete dissection at the sapheno‑femoral and sapheno‑popliteal junction, with or without either ligation or stripping, or both, of the great or small saphenous veins in one leg of a patient, for the first time on the same leg, including excision or injection of either tributaries or incompetent perforating veins, or both, if the patient has significant signs or symptoms (including one or more of the following signs or symptoms) attributable to venous reflux:

(a) ache;

(b) pain;

(c) tightness;

(d) skin irritation;

(e) heaviness;

(f) muscle cramps;

(g) limb swelling;

(h) discolouration;

(i) discomfort;

(j) any other signs or symptoms attributable to venous dysfunction

(H)

Multiple Operation Rule

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $903.75 Benefit: 75% = $677.85

(See para TN.8.32, TN.8.33 of explanatory notes to this Category)

• Previous - Item 32508
• Next - Item 32514

Under the Health Insurance (General Medical Services Table) Regulations, items 32500 to 32517 and 35321 do not apply to services mentioned in those items if the services are delivered by:

1. endovenous laser treatment (ELT); or
2. radiofrequency diathermy; or
3. radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins.

It is recommended that a practitioner who intends to bill ELT, radiofrequency diathermy or radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins on the same occasion as providing items 32500 to 32517 or 35321 contact the Services Australia provider information line on 132 150 to confirm requirements for correct itemisation of services on a single invoice.

Services Australia monitors billing practices associated with MBS items. Services for ELT, radiofrequency diathermy or radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins provided on the same occasion as items 32500 to 32517 or 35321 must be itemised separately on the invoice, showing the full fees for each service separately to the fees billed against these MBS items.

Related Items: 32500 32504 32507 32508 32511 32514 32517 35321

Claiming Guide for the following procedures:

1. Sclerotherapy (Item 32500)
2. Surgical Dissection and Ligation (Items 32507, 32508, 32511, 32514, 32517)
3. Endovenous Laser Therapy (Items 32520 and 32522) 
4. Radiofrequency Ablation (Items 32523 and 32526)
5. Cyanoacrylate adhesive (Items 32528 and 32529)

It is recommended that the medical practitioner performing the above procedures has successfully completed a substantial course of study and training in duplex ultrasound and the management of venous disease, which has been endorsed by their relevant professional organisation.

It is recommended that providers familiarise themselves with the symptoms to be used to assess the severity of chronic venous disease as indicated in the item descriptor. Providers should also refer to the latest Clinical impact, Etiology/Aetiology, Anatomy and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification description for symptoms, to help determine when intervention is required.

Related Items: 32500 32507 32508 32511 32514 32517 32520 32522 32523 32526 32528 32529