In Practice: New MBS item for continuous nerve blockade

This week’s In Practice also includes a reminder about the RACGP’s upcoming series of International Women’s Day events across Australia, and the latest updates from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
 
New MBS item: Continuous nerve blockade using a catheter technique
A new item is set to be added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) on 1 March to support the provision of continuous nerve blockade using a catheter technique.
 
Continuous nerve blockade with a catheter technique was found by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) to have potential advantages over single nerve block injections or synthetic opioids. The main advantage considered was reducing the use of synthetic opioids that can lead to addiction in some patients.
 
As this item can only be billed in association with the administration of anesthesia, billing is restricted to specialist anesthetists and GP anesthetists.
 
The new item will have the item number 22032, providing a fee of $87.20 (75% benefit=$65.40) and will have the following item description:
 
‘Perioperative introduction of a plexus or nerve block to a peripheral nerve, using an in-situ catheter in association with anaesthesia and surgery, for post operative pain management (4 basic units).’
 
Further details will be published in the coming weeks.
 
Celebrate, connect and be inspired: IWD events
From 5–11 March, the RACGP is hosting a series of free International Women’s Day events across Australia to recognise the incredible contributions of women in general practice and beyond.  
 
Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of healthcare. There’s never been a better moment to celebrate progress, spark conversations, and look ahead.
 
This year’s theme, ‘March Forward’, is about momentum, inclusion, and the power of collective action. Everyone is welcome, because when women in health thrive, we all benefit.
 
Register online. 
 
Department of Veterans’ Affairs updates
DVA Provider News has published two new articles for healthcare providers:

• A new quick guide to support providers to know what mental health services are available for DVA clients – a new mental health two-page quick guide provides a list and description of the mental health programs and services available for eligible veterans and their families
• Continued access to medications for veterans impacted by the North Queensland floods – veteran card holders in flood-affected North Queensland can continue to access their medications under the Continued Dispensing Arrangements of the PBS

catheter technique continuous nerve blockade Department of Veterans’ Affairs GP anaesthetist International Women’s Day items MBS