TOPIC:

An earlier thread
We lobbied against charges to pathology and other medical tests.
Sweetener for forthcoming election?
Good news anyway
Even if I did get a bill for my VL lol

www.pathologyaustralia.com.au/2016/05/13...ology-announcements/

It's just a deferment to the changes. They are still on the table, just at the other end of it.

I got a bill for my last VL test too. $155! I believe I am entitled to 4 qualitative tests in a 12 month period while receiving treatment but this was my first. I did have several quantitative. The path request form clearly states I am under treatment with DAAs. Idiots.

Agree hence calling it an election sweetener but it's something to report for now.
My bill was also $155 for the VL post EOT SVR4 the PCR RNA was free.
My doc ticked bulk bull too. Wrote 4/52 tx too.
The links here I don't think we should have to pay Sonix but we are.

www.clinipathpathology.com.au/media/9812..._for_rebate_web_.pdf

Maybe there's better info out there I hear talk of how many tests an individual can have per year.
Cheers from Ariel

@ Ariel - Was your VL done at Australian Clinicallabs? (they used to be Healthscope) I'm calling them tomorrow to query the bill.

2 quantitative and 4 qualitative while on DAA treatment but my understanding is that the request needs to specify certain information like who the precribing/authorising physician was rather than just the monitoring one?

With the current political situation regarding pathology tests I suspect both Path labs and Medicare will be making sure they follow the letter of the rules while also point scoring against each other where they can which may mean that patients end up on the paying end of a bill for path requests that would normally just be accepted as "close enough" and paid by Medicare. Maybe their doctor needs to dot an i or cross a t on the request? Maybe it was an error of interpretation or counting by one of the above parties?

Don't just accept the charges, challenge them and request information on why you didn't qualify for coverage.

Hi fellas
Yup same lab
Yup agree with Gaj
Also querying it Sonix
I the they've also absorbed Doervitch will double check
Cheers
A

The path form includes this -
"Tests Requested
HepC Viral Load Qualitative; LFT;"
"Clinical Notes
Having DAA Rx for HCV. Auth Dr John W Freeman FRACP"
and
"Special Requests
Bulk Bill:Yes"

Seems pretty clear to me.

Also strange is I've had 3 quantitative VL tests in the last 12 months from 3 separate labs with no bill. The first was StVincents internal lab but that shouldn't make a difference.