Treatment for TB is provided free of charge to patients in Australia. The test to confirm active mycobacterial infection is covered by the state and territory health systems if the patient is a public patient in a public hospital, or by the MBS if the test being performed is listed on the MBS. The tests currently listed on the MBS are AFB microscopy and culture of suitable specimens. NAAT is not currently listed on the MBS.
An MBS item descriptor was not proposed in the PASC-ratified protocol. Suggested MBS item descriptors, as recommended by the relevant policy area in the Department of Health are provided in Table ES .
Nucleic acid amplification test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in patients with signs and symptoms consistent with active tuberculosis.
