Referrals
Referrals for bone densitometry last 1 year from the referral date.
Patients can bring a referral to the appointment or it can be faxed to (02) 9411 2015 prior to the appointment. A referral must contain the provider number, date of referral, and the name of the referring doctor. Referral forms for doctors are available for download, or alternatively, contact us to request a referral pad to be mailed to you. |
Forms:
Referral form
Additional versions of Referral form
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What does Medicare cover?
Medicare Rebate
12306 (one test every 24 months)
12312 (one test every 12 months)
1. Early menopause or had complete hysterectomy (including removal ovaries) before the age of 45 years OR
2. Current glucocorticoid therapy for a period anticipated to last over 4 months OR
3. Low testosterone in males (defined as serum testosterone below the age matched normal range)
Details.
- Prolonged glucocorticoid therapy: defined as the commencement of a dosage of 7.5mg prednisolone orally per day for a period anticipated to last at least 4 months or inhaled glucocorticoid equivalent to or greater than 800micrograms beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide p/day
- Early menopause: defined as lasting more than 6 months before the age of 45.
12315 (one test every 24 months)
12321 (one test every 12 months)
Monitoring bone density 12 months after a significant change in therapy following previous diagnosis of low bone density (DXA).
Details: Significant change in therapy – e.g. a change in the class of drugs - rather than a change in the dosage regimen
Age over 70
12320 (one test every 5 years )
12322 (one test every 24 months)
Claimable if patient is aged 70 or older and has a T- Score from previous BMD between -1.5 and -2.4.
MBS guidelines for DXA referrals require indicating the appropriate Medicare item number that the patient qualifies for AND the appropriate Medicare descriptor associated with this item number.
12306 (one test every 24 months)
- Broken bones or fractures , caused by minimal trauma OR
- Monitoring proven low bone density from previous DXA with a T score of -2.5 or less, or a Z score of -1.5 or less.
12312 (one test every 12 months)
1. Early menopause or had complete hysterectomy (including removal ovaries) before the age of 45 years OR
2. Current glucocorticoid therapy for a period anticipated to last over 4 months OR
3. Low testosterone in males (defined as serum testosterone below the age matched normal range)
Details.
- Prolonged glucocorticoid therapy: defined as the commencement of a dosage of 7.5mg prednisolone orally per day for a period anticipated to last at least 4 months or inhaled glucocorticoid equivalent to or greater than 800micrograms beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide p/day
- Early menopause: defined as lasting more than 6 months before the age of 45.
12315 (one test every 24 months)
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver or kidney disease, malabsorption disorders or history of thyrotoxicosis.
12321 (one test every 12 months)
Monitoring bone density 12 months after a significant change in therapy following previous diagnosis of low bone density (DXA).
Details: Significant change in therapy – e.g. a change in the class of drugs - rather than a change in the dosage regimen
Age over 70
12320 (one test every 5 years )
- Patient is 70 years or older and not previously had a BMD examination ( initial scan ) ;
- Patient has a T- Score from a previous BMD of -1.5 and above.
12322 (one test every 24 months)
Claimable if patient is aged 70 or older and has a T- Score from previous BMD between -1.5 and -2.4.
MBS guidelines for DXA referrals require indicating the appropriate Medicare item number that the patient qualifies for AND the appropriate Medicare descriptor associated with this item number.