Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 73440

Genomic testing and copy number variant analysis of genes known to be causative or likely causative of childhood hearing loss in a patient, if:
(a) the testing and analysis is requested by a specialist or consultant physician; and
(b) the patient has congenital or childhood onset hearing loss that presented before the patient was 18 years of age and is permanent moderate, severe, or profound (>40 dB in the worst ear over 3 frequencies) and classified as sensorineural, auditory neuropathy or mixed; and
(c) the patient is not eligible for a service to which item 73358 or 73359 applies; and
(d) the testing and analysis is not associated with a service to which item 73441 applies

Applicable once per lifetime

Fee: $1,200.00 Benefit: 75% = $900.00 85% = $1,101.30

(See para PN.0.23, PN.7.13 of explanatory notes to this Category)

• Previous - Item 73439
• Next - Item 73441

Items 73297, 73300, 73305, 73334, 73339, 73340, 73393, 73394, 73417, 73418, 73440, 73441, 73442, 73443, and 73444

Prior to ordering these tests the ordering practitioner should ensure the patient (or approximate proxy) has given written informed consent. Testing should only be performed after genetic counselling. Appropriate genetic counselling should be provided to the patient either by the specialist treating practitioner, a genetic counselling service or a clinical geneticist on referral. Further counselling may be necessary upon receipt of the test results.

Items 73295, 73296, 73304, 73333, 73392, 73395, 73416 and 73419

Patients who are found to have any form of affected allele should be referred for post-test genetic counselling as there may be implications for other family members. Appropriate genetic counselling should be provided to the patient either by the specialist treating practitioner, a genetic counselling service or a clinical geneticist on referral.

Related Items: 73295 73296 73297 73300 73304 73305 73333 73334 73339 73340 73392 73393 73394 73395 73416 73417 73418 73419 73440 73441 73442 73443 73444

MBS Items 73440 and 73441

When determining the genes to be assessed on the virtual panel, the list of phenotypically driven genes should be based on a recognised test directory.

MBS Items 73443 and 73444

Prior to requesting or performing these tests, the requesting practitioner or pathologist should consider if the patient has previously received equivalent testing. Testing should not be required more than:

• once per variant per lifetime, for item 73443
• once per gene per lifetime, for item 73444

Additional testing should only be performed if it is clinically relevant.

Related Items: 73440 73441 73443 73444