MBS Item 37000 Update

Troy Gianduzzo, Chair of ANZAUS, has provided the following update regarding MBS item number 37000.

In response to a member inquiry, ANZAUS has sought clarification from the Department regarding the co-claiming of item 37000 (Bladder, partial excision of) with radical prostatectomy item numbers when a non-bladder neck sparing radical prostatectomy is performed.

The Department has confirmed that the radical prostatectomy item numbers 37210, 37211, 37213, and 37214 specifically reference bladder neck reconstruction in their descriptors. Therefore, in the majority of cases it would be inappropriate to bill 37000 for partial bladder excision with a radical prostatectomy, as the radical prostatectomy items also include bladder neck reconstruction where required. Co-claiming would only be appropriate in cases where there is excision of the bladder above and beyond any work done at the bladder neck.

Members are reminded that in order to receive a benefit from the MBS a professional service provided must be ‘clinically relevant’ and all elements of the item descriptor must be met, including any guidance in associated notes. 

Thank you Troy, for your ongoing updates and advocacy.