Not part of a multiple procedure

T8.2 As an Independent Procedure

T8.2.1 The inclusion of this phrase in the description of an item precludes payment of benefits when:

(i) a procedure so qualified is associated with another procedure that is performed through the same incision, eg. nephrostomy (Item 36552) in the course of an open operation on the kidney for another purpose;
(ii) such procedure is combined with another in the same body area, eg. direct examination of larynx (Item 41846) with another operation on the larnyx or trachea;
(iii) the procedure is an integral part of the performance of another procedure, eg. removal of foreign body (Item 30067/30068) in conjunction with debridement of deep or extensive contaminated wound of soft tissue, including suturing of that wound when performed under general anaesthetic (Item 30023).

T8.5 Multiple Operation Formula

T8.5.1 The fees for two or more operations, listed in Group T8 (other than Subgroup 12 of that Group), performed on a patient on the one occasion (except as provided in paragraph T8.5.3) are calculated by the following rule:-

100% for the item with the greatest Schedule fee
plus 50% for the item with the next greatest Schedule fee
plus 25% for each other item.

Note:

(a) Fees so calculated which result in a sum which is not a multiple of 5 cents are to be taken to the next higher multiple of 5 cents.
(b) Where two or more operations performed on the one occasion have Schedule fees which are equal, one of these amounts shall be treated as being greater than the other or others of those amounts.
(c) The Schedule fee for benefits purposes is the aggregate of the fees calculated in accordance with the above formula.
(d) For these purposes the term "operation" only refers to all items in Group T8 (other than Subgroup 12 of that Group).

T8.5.2 This rule does not apply to an operation which is one of two or more operations performed under the one anaesthetic on the same patient if the medical practitioner who performed the operation did not also perform or assist at the other operation or any of the other operations, or administer the anaesthetic. In such cases the fees specified in the Schedule apply.

T8.5.3 Where two medical practitioners operate independently and either performs more than one operation, the method of assessment outlined in paragraph T8.5.1 would apply in respect of the services performed by each medical practitioner.

T8.5.4 If the operation comprises a combination of procedures which are commonly performed together and for which a specific combined item is provided in the Schedule, it is regarded as the one item and service in applying the multiple operation rule.

T8.5.5 There are a number of items in the Schedule where the description indicates that the item applies only when rendered in association with another procedure. The Schedule fees for such items have therefore been determined on the basis that they would always be subject to the "multiple operation rule".

T8.5.6 Where the need arises for the patient to be returned to the operating theatre on the same day as the original procedure for further surgery due to post-operative complications, which would not be considered as normal aftercare - see paragraph T8.7. Such procedures would generally not be subject to the "multiple operation rule". Accounts should be endorsed to the effect that they are separate procedures so that a separate benefit may be paid.

Note For more details please contact the Australian Department of Health and Ageing about Medicare Benefits Schedule