Funding for HBV testing is provided directly from the Commonwealth Government on a fee-for-service basis through the Medicare funding arrangements and also through State and Territory funding arrangements.
More detailed information on Medicare benefits for hepatitis B tests can be found on MBS Online (Medicare Benefits Schedule Book Category 6).53
A Medicare benefit for pathology testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis D if conducted (see Types of hepatitis B virus diagnostic tests – also called in-vitro diagnostic devices) will be payable where the service was determined to be necessary by the patient's medical practitioner, was provided by an accredited pathology laboratory, and the patient meets the requirements for the relevant MBS item. Benefits are payable for the attendance and tests which are considered reasonably necessary according to a patient’s individual circumstances.
Inquiries concerning matters of interpretation of MBS items, including patient eligibility, should be directed to the Department of Health in the first instance. This can be done via email to: [email protected]. Services Australia is responsible for the day-to-day administration and payment of benefits under the Medicare arrangements. For enquiries relating to Medicare payments, phone 132 150.
