Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note AN.0.37

Items 701, 703, 705 and 707 may be used to undertake a type 2 diabetes risk evaluation for people aged 40-49 years (inclusive) with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as determined by the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool. 

The aim of this health assessment is to review the factors underlying the 'high risk' score identified by the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool to instigate early interventions to assist with the prevention of type 2 diabetes. 

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool has been developed to provide a basis for both health professionals and health consumers to assess the risk of type 2 diabetes.  It consists of a short list of questions which, when completed, provides a guide to a patient's current level of risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool can be obtained from the Department's prevention of diabetes web page. 

Clinical risk factors that the general practitioner must consider when providing this health assessment include:

(a) lifestyle, such as smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition;

(b) biomedical risk factors, such as high blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism and excess weight;

(c) any relevant recent diagnostic test results; and

(d) a family history of chronic disease. 

The health assessment must include the following:

(a) assessing a patient's high risk score, as determined by the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool which has been completed by the patient within a period of 3 months prior to undertaking the health assessment;

(b) updating the patient's history and undertaking physical examinations and clinical investigations;

(c) making an overall assessment of the patient's risk factors and of the results of examinations and investigations;

(d) initiating interventions, if appropriate, including referrals and follow-up services relating to the management of any risk factors identified; and

(e) giving the patient advice and information, including strategies to achieve lifestyle and behaviour changes if appropriate. 

The completion of the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool is mandatory for patient access to this health assessment.  The tool can be completed either by the patient or with the assistance of a health professional or practice staff.

A health assessment for a type 2 diabetes risk evaluation for people aged 40-49 years with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes as determined by the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool may only be claimed once every three years by an eligible patient.

Related Items: 701 703 705 707

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Professional attendance by a general practitioner  to perform a brief health assessment, lasting not more than 30 minutes and including:

(a) collection of relevant information, including taking a patient history; and

(b) a basic physical examination; and

(c) initiating interventions and referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing the patient with preventive health care advice and information

Fee: $65.00 Benefit: 100% = $65.00

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a general practitioner to perform a standard health assessment, lasting more than 30 minutes but less than 45 minutes, including:

(a) detailed information collection, including taking a patient history; and

(b) an extensive physical examination; and

(c) initiating interventions and referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing a preventive health care strategy for the patient

Fee: $151.05 Benefit: 100% = $151.05

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a general practitioner  to perform a long health assessment, lasting at least 45 minutes but less than 60 minutes, including:

(a) comprehensive information collection, including taking a patient history; and

(b) an extensive examination of the patient's medical condition and physical function; and

(c) initiating interventions and referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing a basic preventive health care management plan for the patient

Fee: $208.40 Benefit: 100% = $208.40

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)

Professional attendance by a general practitioner to perform a prolonged health assessment (lasting at least 60 minutes) including:

(a) comprehensive information collection, including taking a patient history; and

(b) an extensive examination of the patient's medical condition, and physical, psychological and social function; and

(c) initiating interventions or referrals as indicated; and

(d) providing a comprehensive preventive health care management plan for the patient

Fee: $294.45 Benefit: 100% = $294.45

(See para AN.0.36, AN.0.37, AN.0.38, AN.0.39, AN.0.40, AN.0.41, AN.0.42, AN.0.69 of explanatory notes to this Category)