AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
HEALTH INSURANCE ACT 1973
Health Insurance (Medicare Benefits Payable in Respect of Professional Services – Northern Territory Government) Direction 2021
I, TRAVIS HASLAM, ACTING FIRST ASSISTANT SECRETARY, delegate for the Minister for Health and Aged Care, acting under subsection 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act) hereby:
(1) REVOKE the Direction made under subsection 19(2) of the Act in respect of professional services provided by the Northern Territory Government dated 30 June 2020; and
(2) DIRECT that a medicare benefit shall be payable in respect of:
(a) a professional service (as defined in Section 3 of the Act) provided by a salaried provider employed or engaged by the Northern Territory Government and provided in a clinic listed in Schedule B to this Direction, for which;
(i) items specified in Schedule A to this Direction of the general medical services table (means the table prescribed under subsection 4(1) of the Act), diagnostic imaging services table (means the table prescribed under subsection 4AA(1) of the Act) and pathology services table (means the table prescribed under subsection 4A(1) of the Act) relates; and
(ii) the professional service is provided to an eligible person (as defined in Section 3 of the Act).
Note: ‘Professional service’ as used in this Direction is defined in the Act.
This Direction shall have effect from 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2024 inclusive, unless earlier revoked.
Date this 29th day of June 2021.
Travis Haslam
Acting First Assistant Secretary
Medical Benefits Division
Department of Health
SCHEDULE A
PERMITTED MEDICARE BENEFITS SCHEDULE items
For services listed in the below tables, all provisions of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act) and regulations made under the Act, and the National Health Act 1953 and regulations made under the National Health Act 1953, relating to medical services, professional services or items apply.
All items in the Groups listed in Table 1 are permitted. Services provided under this instrument must meet all the requirements of the items claimed, as provided in the relevant item descriptors.
Table 1: General Medical Services Table – item groups
Group | Group Name | Group | Group Name |
A1 | General Practitioner attendances to which no other item applies | A15 | GP management plans, team care arrangements, multidisciplinary care plans |
A2 | Other non-referred attendances to which no other item applies | A17 | Domiciliary and residential management plans |
A5 | Prolonged attendances to which no other item applies | A18 | General Practitioner attendance associated with PIP incentive payments to which to other item applies |
A6 | Group therapy | A19 | Other non-referred attendances associated with PIP incentive payments to which no other item applies |
A7 | Acupuncture and non-specialist practitioner items | A20 | General Practitioner mental health treatment |
A9 | Contact lenses – attendances | A22 | General Practitioner after-hours attendances to which to other item applies |
A10 | Optometrical attendances | A23 | Other non-referred after-hours attendances to which no other item applies |
A11 | Urgent attendance after hours | A27 | Pregnancy support counselling |
A14 | Health assessments | A30 | Medical practitioner (including General Practitioner, specialist or consultant physician) telehealth attendances |
A35 | Services for patients in Residential Aged Care Facilities | M11 | Allied Health services for Indigenous Australians who have had a health check |
A39 | Bushfire recovery access initiative – GP and Medical Practitioner focussed psychological strategies | M12 | Services provided by a Practice Nurse or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner on behalf of a medical practitioner |
A41 | Additional focussed psychological strategies | M13 | Midwifery services |
A42 | Mental health planning for care recipients of a residential aged care facility | M14 | Nurse Practitioners |
A43 | Care recipient of a Residential Aged Care Facility planning and contribution items | M15 | Diagnostic audiology services |
A44 | General Practice attendance for assessing patient suitability for a COVID-19 vaccine | M16 | Eating Disorder services |
D2 | Nuclear medicine (non-imaging) | M25 | Additional psychological therapy services |
M1 | Management of bulk-billed services | M26 | Additional focussed psychological strategies (allied mental health) |
M3 | Allied Health services | M27 | Initial psychological therapy services |
M6 | Psychological therapy services | M28 | Initial focussed psychological strategies (allied mental health) |
M7 | Focussed psychological strategies | M29 | Additional allied health services |
M8 | Pregnancy support counselling | M30 | Allied health services for Indigenous Australians in RACF |
M9 | Allied Health group services | M31 | Allied health group services in RACF |
M10 | Autism, pervasive developmental disorder and disability services |
|
|
All items in the Subgroups listed in Table 2 are permitted.
Table 2: General Medical Services Table – item subgroups
Group | Group Name | Subgroup | Subgroup Name |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 1 | COVID-19 General Practice telehealth services |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 2 | COVID-19 General Practice phone services |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 3 | COVID-19 focussed psychological strategies telehealth services |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 10 | COVID-19 focussed psychological strategies phone services |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 11 | COVID-19 health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 13 | COVID-19 chronic disease management (CDM) service – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 15 | COVID-19 GP pregnancy support counselling – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 16 | COVID-19 GP pregnancy support counselling – phone service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 19 | COVID-19 GP mental health treatment plan – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 20 | COVID-19 GP mental health treatment plan – phone service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 21 | COVID-19 GP eating disorder treatment and management plan – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 27 | COVID-19 GP eating disorder focussed psychological strategies – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 28 | COVID-19 GP eating disorder focussed psychological strategies – phone service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 29 | COVID-19 GP and Other Medical Practitioner – urgent after-hours service in unsociable hours – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 39 | GP Blood borne viruses, sexual or reproductive health consultation – telehealth service |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 40 | GP Blood borne viruses, sexual or reproductive health consultation – phone service |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 1 | Neurology |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 2 | Ophthalmology |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 5 | Vascular |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 6 | Cardiovascular |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 7 | Gastroenterology and colorectal |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 8 | Genito/urinary physiological investigations |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 9 | Allergy testing |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 10 | Other diagnostic procedures and interventions |
T1 | Miscellaneous therapeutic procedures | 5 | Cardiovascular |
T1 | Miscellaneous therapeutic procedures | 6 | Gastroenterology |
All items listed in Table 3 are permitted.
Table 3: General Medical Services Table – items
Group | Group Name | Items | Item Description |
A29 | Early intervention services for children with autism, pervasive developmental disorder or disability | 139 | Professional attendance by a general practitioner for assessment, diagnosis and preparation of a treatment and management plan for a patient with an eligible disability. |
A36 | Eating disorder services | 90250-90257, 90264, 90265, 90271-90282 | Eating disorder services provided by General Practitioners or Medical Practitioners |
A40 | COVID-19 services | 92145, 92170, 92171, 92176, 92177 | General Practitioner and Other Medical Practitioner items |
D1 | Miscellaneous diagnostic procedures and investigations | 11300-11318, 11330, 11333-11339, 11503-11507, 11512 | Non-referred services only |
T1 | Miscellaneous therapeutic procedures | 13105-13110 | Haemodialysis provided by a registered nurse, Aboriginal health worker or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner in a very remote location. |
T4 | Obstetrics | 16400, 16406-16500, 16502-16591 | Antenatal and postnatal attendances |
T8 | Surgical operations | 30001-30006, 30026-30055, 30061-30072, 30187, 30189, 30192-30219 | Minor surgical procedures |
O1 | Consultations | 51700- 51703, 54001-54004 | Dental practitioner attendances |
All items in the Groups listed in Table 4 are permitted.
Table 4: Diagnostic Imaging Services Table
Group | Group Name |
I1 | Ultrasound |
I3 | Diagnostic radiology |
I6 | Management of bulk-billed services |
All items in the Groups listed in Table 5 are permitted.
Table 5: Pathology Services Table
Group | Group Name |
P9 | Simple basic pathology tests |
P12 | Management of bulk-billed services |
P13 | Bulk-billing incentive |
SCHEDULE B
Approved Services – NORTHERN TERRITORY
Practice Name | Street Address | Mailing Address |
Darwin Rural District | ||
Belyuen (Delissaville) Community Health Centre | Lot 252 Cox Peninsula Road, Belyuen, NT, 0822 | PMB 18, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Maningrida Community Health Centre | Lot 659 Maningrida, NT, 0821 | PMB 185, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Minjilang Community Health Centre | Lot 224 Yington Street, Minjilang, NT, 0822 | Croker Island, via Darwin, NT, 0822 |
Nauiyu Community Health Centre | Lot 126, Nauiyu (Daly River), NT, 0822 | PMB 28, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa) Community Health Centre | Lot 77, Palumpa, NT, 0822 | CMB 30, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Oenpelli (Gunbalanya) Community Health Centre | Lot 503, Oenpelli, NT, 0822 | CMB 6, Oenpelli, NT, 0822 |
Peppimenarti Community Health Centre | Lot 73, Peppimenarti NT, 0822 | PMB 56, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Wadeye (Port Keats) Community Health Centre | Lot 490, Port Keats NT, 0822 | PMB 202, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Warruwi Community Health Centre | Lot 50, Warruwi (Goulburn Island), NT, 0822 | Goulburn Island, via Darwin |
Woodycupildiya Community Health | Lot 12 via Daly River Road, Nemarluk, NT, 0822 | PMB 132, Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Katherine East District | ||
Binjari Community Health Centre | Lot 43, Binjari North, via Katherine, NT, 0851 | PO Box 480, Katherine, NT, 0851 |
Numbulwar Health Centre | Lot 141, Numbulwar, NT, 0822 | CMB 17, via Katherine, NT, 0851 |
Pine Creek Community Health Centre | 32 Baxter Terrace, Pine Creek, NT, 0847 | PO Box 146, Pine Creek, NT, 0847 |
Robinson River Community Health Centre | Lot 44, Robinson River, NT, 0854 | PO Box 433, Borroloola, NT, 0854 |
East Arnhem District | ||
Alyangula (Groote Eylandt) Health Centre | Lot M1541, Poinciana Street, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, NT, 0885 | PO Box 347, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, NT, 0885 |
Angurugu Community Health Centre | Lot 369, Angurugu, Groote Eylandt, NT, 0885 | PO Box 347, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, NT, 0885 |
Gunyangara (Marngarr) Health Centre | Gunyangara, NT, 0881 | PO Box 144, Nhulunbuy, NT, 0880 |
Laynhapuy (Layna Homelands) Health Centre | Laynhapuy, NT, 0881 | PO Box 1546, Nhulunbuy, NT, 0880 |
Milingimbi Community Health Centre | Lot M0037, Milingimbi, NT, 0882 |
|
Milyakburra (Bickerton Island) Health Centre | Lot 63, Milyakburra, Bickerton Island, NT, 0885 | PMB 4, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, NT, 0885 |
Umbakumba Health Centre | Lot 285, 23 Alyarrkangka Crescent, Umbakumba, NT, 0822 | PO Box 347, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, NT, 0885 |
Yirrkala Community Health Centre | Lot 144, Yirrkala, NT, 0881 | PO Box 421, Nhulunbuy, NT, 0880 |
Alice Springs Remote District | ||
Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash) Community Health Centre | Lot 21, Alpurrurulam, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Amunturmgu (Mt Liebig) Community Health Centre | Lot 20, Mt Liebig, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Aputula (Finke) Community Health Centre | Finke, NT 0872 | CMB via Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Atitjere (Harts Range) Community Health Centre | Lot M2431, Harts Range, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Bonya (Baikal Bonja) Community Health Centre | Bonya, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Engawala (Alcoota) Community Health Centre | Lot 22, Engawala, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff) Community Health Centre | Lot 78, Haasts Bluff, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Kaltukatjara (Docker River) Community Health Centre | Lot 112, Kaltukatjara, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Imanpa Community | Mount Ebenezer, NT, 0871 | PMB Imanpa, via Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Laramba (Napperby) Community Health Centre | Lot 74, Laramba, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Ntaria (Hermannsburg) Community Health Centre | Lot 95, Ntaria, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Nturiya (Ti Tree Station) Community Health Centre | Lot 37, Nturiya, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Nyirripi (Waite Creek) Community Health Centre | Lot 139, Nyirripi, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Papunya Community Health Centre | Lot 224, Papunya, NT 0872 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Pmara Jutunta (Ti Tree 6 mile) Community Health Centre | Pmara Jutunta, NT 0872 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Tara (Neutral Junction) Community Health Centre | Lot 30, Tara, NT 0872 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Ti Tree Community Health Centre | Palmer Street, Ti Tree, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Titjikala (Maryvale) Community Health Centre | Lot 53, Titjikala, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Utju (Areyonga) Community Health Centre | Lot 75, Areyonga, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Wallace Rockhole Health Centre | Lot 68, Wallace Rockhole, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Watarrka (Kings Canyon - Ulpanyali) Community Health Centre | Watarrka, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Wilora (Stirling) Community Health Centre | Lot M0025, Wilora, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Wirilyatjarrayi (Willowra) Health Centre | Lot 40, Willowra, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Yuelamu (Mt Alien) Community Health Centre | Lot 67, Yuelamu, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Yuendumu Community Health Centre | Lot 430, Tanami Road, Yuendumu, NT, 0871 | PO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT, 0870 |
Barkly District | ||
Ali-Curung / Alekarenge (Warrabri) Community Health Centre | Lot 159, Ali-Curung, NT, 0861 | PO Box 346, Tennant Creek, NT, 0860 |
Barkly Mobile# | Tennant Creek Hospital, Schmidt Street, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861 | PO Box 346, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861 |
Canteen Creek (Orwatijilla) Health Centre | Lot 3, Canteen Creek, NT, 0861 | PO Box 346, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861 |
Elliott Community Health Centre | Bray Street, Elliott, NT, 0861 | PO Box 346, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861 |
Epenarra (Wutunurrgurru) Health Centre | Lot 26, Epenarra, NT, 0861 | PO Box 346, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861 |
# Barkly Mobile includes approximately 20 stations including Brunette Downs, Muru Murula, Nicholson River, Alexandria, Walhallow, and Angus Camp | ||
Borroloola | ||
Borroloola Health Clinic | 11 Gawara Street Borroloola, NT, 0854 | PO Box 430 Borroloola, NT, 0854 |
Tiwi Islands Health Services | ||
Julanimawu Primary Health Centre | Lot 737, Wurrumiyanga (Nguiu), NT, 0822 | P.O. Box 75, Nguiu, NT, 0822 |
Milikapiti Community Health Centre | Lot 249 Milikapiti (Snake Bay), Melville Island, NT, 0822 | PMB 279 via Winnellie, NT, 0820 |
Pirlangimpi | Lot 00238 Pirlangimpi, NT, 0822 | PMB 155 via Winnellie, NT, 0820 |