Claiming for transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) on anaesthetic invoices
Medicare benefits for transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) by anaesthetists are payable with Item 22051, but not in association with items 55130, 55135 or 21936. Anaesthetic claims should not include item 55130, no benefit will be payable.
Item 22051 should be performed by a provider who is appropriately credentialed to provide the particular service, by a recognised body for the credentialing of peri-operative cardiac ultrasound services. Credentialing must be based on criteria consistent with those recommended by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in the current version of their Professional Document PS46 "Guidelines on Training and Practice of Perioperative Cardiac Ultrasound in Adults."
Benefits for MBS Item 55135 (echocardiography in association with cardiac valve surgery) are payable, but only if a) item 22051 is not claimed and b) the the terms of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme are met. ]
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