Extension of temporary pathology items for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and other respiratory pathogens

The ten temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) pathology items for pathology laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and other respiratory pathogens have been extended from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

From 1 January 2023, the temporary items will be amended to remove the requirement that in-hospital private patients cannot be charged more than the MBS fee. All other existing conditions and requirements to claim the items will be retained.

The extension of the temporary MBS items supports pathology providers to use multiplex tests to diagnose and differentiate the cause of respiratory infections through a single sample and test, where clinically appropriate, and supports MBS claiming for such tests through single MBS items.

The Australian Government will be seeking the advice of the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) on permanent MBS arrangements for COVID-19 testing in 2023.

Existing generic nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) MBS items 69494, 69495 and 69496 will remain in place to support testing for non-respiratory pathogens and testing of respiratory pathogens where a treating practitioner has not requested their patient be tested for COVID-19.

Further information is available in the following fact sheet:

PDF Version Factsheet - Extension of temporary pathology items for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens (PDF 173 KB)
Word Version Factsheet - Extension of temporary pathology items for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens (Word 134 KB)