Commonwealth Numbered Regulations

HEALTH INSURANCE (1997-98 PATHOLOGY SERVICES TABLE) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) 1998 No. 203 - REG 3

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