Non-Rebatable Tests
These include tests that are not listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The Commonwealth Government provides no funding assistance for these tests, meaning there is no Medicare rebate available. Patients will be required to complete a consent form at the time of collection and will receive an invoice for the full cost of the test.
Your doctor will have a list of Non-MBS tests and can discuss any of these tests with you if they have been ordered. Please discuss any questions regarding cost, necessity, or alternatives with your doctor.
Medicare Rule 3 Exemptions
Under Australian Medicare regulations, a single signed request form can, in certain circumstances, cover repeat testing. The following steps should be followed for Rule 3 referrals in clinical notes:
Notate the relevant therapy
Clearly write “Rule 3 exemption”
The request is then valid for six (6) months or six (6) episodes, whichever occurs first.
Note: The exception to the above is INR testing: any number of repeat tests can be performed (not limited to six) within the six months of the request date.