HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) 

HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) 
- TABLE OF PROVISIONS

1.  Commencement  
2.  Amendment  
3.  Schedule (Table of pathology services)  


HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS 
(AMENDMENT)
1998 No. 203
- REG 1
1. Commencement


  1.1 These Regulations commence on 1 July 1998.


HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS 
(AMENDMENT)
1998 No. 203
- REG 2
2. Amendment


  2.1 The Health Insurance (1997-98 Pathology Services Table) 
Regulations are amended as set out in these Regulations.


HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS 
(AMENDMENT)
1998 No. 203
- REG 3
3. Schedule (Table of pathology services)


  3.1 Part 1:
Add at the end:
HIV viral RNA load testing
  "20. For items 69259 and 69260, no more than a maximum of 6 episodes 
for either item 69259 or item 69260, or any combination for both 
items, can be claimed in a 12 month period.
Hepatitis C viral RNA testing
  "21. For item 69284:
  Hepatitis C sero-positive, for a patient, means 2 different assays 
of Hepatitis C antibodies are positive.
  serological status is uncertain, for a patient, means any result 
where 2 different assays of Hepatitis C antibodies are inconclusive.
Haemochromatosis testing
  "22. For item 66435:
elevated serum ferritin, for a patient, means a level of ferritin 
above the normal reference range in respect of the particular method 
of assay used to determine the level.".
3.2 Part 2:
Insert each of the following items in its correct numerical position:

Item    Pathology service                      Fee
                                                $
66435   Detection of the C282Y genetic mutation for haemochromatosis 
where:
       (a) the patient has an elevated transferrin saturation or 
           elevated serum ferritin on testing of repeated specimens; 
           or
       (b) the patient has a first degree relative with 
           haemochromatosis or with homozygosity for the C282Y genetic 
           mutation;
       not exceeding 1 episode in a 3 year period
       (Item is subject to rule 22)            36.00

69259   Quantitation of HIV viral RNA load in plasma, serum or 
cerebrospinal fluid in the monitoring of a HIV sero-positive patient, 
who is not on antiretroviral therapy-1 or more assays on 1 or more 
specimens in any 1 episode to a maximum of 6 episodes in a 12 month 
period
(Item is subject to rule 20)                   176.00

69260   Quantitation of HIV viral RNA load in plasma, serum or 
cerebrospinal fluid in the monitoring of antiretroviral therapy in a 
HIV sero-positive patient-1 or more assays on 1 or more specimens in 
any 1 episode to a maximum of 6 episodes in a 12 month period
(Item is subject to rule 20)                   176.00

69284   Detection of Hepatitis C viral RNA if at least 1 of the 
following criteria is satisfied:
        (a) the patient is Hepatitis C sero-positive and has normal 
            liver function tests on 2 occasions 6 months apart;
        (b) the patient's serological status is uncertain after 
            testing;
        (c) the test is performed for the purpose of:
        (i) determining the Hepatitis C status of an immunosuppressed 
            or immunocompromised patient; or
       (ii) the detection of acute Hepatitis C prior to seroconversion 
            where considered necessary for the clinical management of 
            the patient;
        not exceeding 1 episode in a 12 month period
(Item is subject to rule 21)                    64.00


HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS 
(AMENDMENT)
1998 No. 203
- NOTE 1


NOTES
*1* Notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 July 1998.


HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS 
(AMENDMENT)
1998 No. 203
- NOTE 2


*2* Statutory Rules 1997 No. 299.



- NOTES


HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS*2*  
(AMENDMENT)
1998 No. 203*1*
- Dated 30 June 1998.