Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 20706

Initiation of the management of anaesthesia for laparoscopic procedures in the upper abdomen, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, not being a service to which another item in this Subgroup applies

(7 basic units)

Fee: $157.85 Benefit: 75% = $118.40 85% = $134.20

(See para TN.10.27 of explanatory notes to this Category)

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Establishing whether an RVG anaesthetic item pertains to the upper or lower abdomen, depends on whether the majority of the associated surgery was performed in the region above or below the umbilicus. 

Some examples of upper abdomen would be:

• laparoscopy on upper abdominal viscera;
• laparoscopy with operative focus superior to the umbilical port;
• surgery to the liver, gallbladder and ducts, stomach, pancreas, small bowel to DJ flexure;
• the kidneys in their normal location (as opposed to pelvic kidney); or
• spleen or bowel (where it involves a diaphragmatic hernia or adhesions to gallbladder bed).  

Some examples of lower abdomen would be:

• abdominal wall below the umbilicus;
• laparoscopy on lower abdominal viscera;
• laparoscopy with operative focus inferior to the umbilical port;
• surgery on the jejunum, ileum, or colon;
• surgery on the appendix; or
• surgery associated with the female reproductive system.

Related Items: 20706 20750 20840