AMA opposes record uploads in colonoscopy item requirements
The proposed requirements in their present form could see patients denied MBS rebates.
The AMA has opposed a proposal to link the patient’s MBS rebate with the uploading of colonoscopy reports to My Health Record in a submission to the Department of Health and Aged Care. The MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) post implementation review of changes to colonoscopy MBS items had recommended that items for colonoscopy services are amended to require the reporting of results to platforms that enable ready access to results by all healthcare providers.
While the AMA supports My Health Record and wants to encourage greater use, using MBS items to drive this is bad policy. The submission explained that if an upload does not occur and the requirements of the item are not met, the patient will be denied the MBS rebate and will have to pay the full cost of the service.
The AMA has instead called for appropriate support and guidance for clinicians to drive greater utilisation.
The AMA’s submission supported efforts to improve education and communication for clinicians and improving access to colonoscopies for rural and remote communities.
