MBS – Items 701, 703, 705, and 707

MBS items 701, 703, 705, and 707 pertain to health assessments provided under the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). These items are used to facilitate comprehensive health evaluations across various age groups and for different specific health needs. Below is a detailed description of each item:

MBS Item 701

  • Type: Brief Health Assessment
  • Duration: Less than 30 minutes
  • Purpose: Used for a brief but comprehensive health assessment, suitable for patients requiring a quick evaluation.
  • Applications: Can be used for different health assessments such as age-specific checks (e.g., 45-49 year old health check), assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and more.
  • Coverage: Includes assessment of medical history, physical examination, and any necessary preventive health interventions.

MBS Item 703

  • Type: Standard Health Assessment
  • Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Purpose: Designed for a standard health assessment that requires a more detailed evaluation than the brief assessment.
  • Applications: Suitable for various health assessments, including those for older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and individuals at risk of chronic diseases.
  • Coverage: Involves a comprehensive review of the patient’s health status, including a detailed medical history, thorough physical examination, and the development of a preventive health care plan.

MBS Item 705

  • Type: Long Health Assessment
  • Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
  • Purpose: Intended for a long health assessment requiring an in-depth evaluation of the patient’s health.
  • Applications: Ideal for patients with complex health needs or those requiring an extensive assessment, such as older adults, individuals with intellectual disabilities, or refugees.
  • Coverage: Includes a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s health, extensive medical history review, complete physical examination, and comprehensive preventive health care planning.

MBS Item 707

  • Type: Prolonged Health Assessment
  • Duration: More than 60 minutes
  • Purpose: For a prolonged health assessment that requires an extensive and detailed evaluation, often for patients with very complex health needs.
  • Applications: Best suited for patients requiring an in-depth and thorough assessment, including older adults, people with multiple chronic conditions, or those with significant social and medical complexities.
  • Coverage: Involves an exhaustive review of the patient’s medical history, thorough physical examination, detailed analysis of health needs, and formulation of a comprehensive and personalized preventive health care plan.

General Applications for MBS Items 701, 703, 705, and 707

These items can be used for various health assessments, including:

  • 45-49 Year Old Health Check: To detect risk factors for chronic diseases.
  • Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: To address specific health needs and improve health outcomes.
  • Health Assessment for People Aged 75 Years and Older: To manage health, functional ability, and social support.
  • Health Assessment for People with Intellectual Disability: To cater to specific health needs and improve overall health.
  • Health Assessment for Refugees and Other Humanitarian Entrants: To address health issues specific to refugee populations.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation: To identify and manage individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

Each of these MBS items is designed to ensure that patients receive appropriate, timely, and comprehensive health assessments tailored to their specific needs, facilitating better health outcomes and preventive care.