The MBS Review Taskforce has released its first list of potentially defunct MBS items for further consultation.

The 23 items announced by Health Minister Sussan Ley include seven in diagnostic imaging, nine in ENT surgery, five in gastroenterology and one in obstetrics. Thoracic medicine has been included, with item number 11500 (bronchospirometry) listed as potentially obsolete.

The ‘obsolete items list’ noted that in 2014-15 approximately:

• 63% of 11500 services were provided to people aged 55 years and over.

• 60% of 11500 services were provided by Respiratory and Sleep Medicine specialists and 32% were provided by anaesthetics specialists.

“With the changes in technology, there are more appropriate tests available for measuring lung function covered under other MBS items,” wrote the clinical committee chaired by Christine Jenkins a senior staff specialist at Concord Hospital and Head of Respiratory at the University of Sydney.

The Committee will also undertake a detailed review of MBS items 11503 and 11506.

The consultation is open until 8 February.

For more information on the items and consultation click here