rap chart, page-3630

I finally got a response from MBS from my email on 27/7 regarding getting an Item number for the ResAppDx cough diagnostic test so all or part of the cost is rebated back to the patient.

Reference: Ticket10962Re: FW: Remote 'testing' for Respiratory Disease [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Mr Moxxxx,
We are writing in response to your recent enquiry, submitted to the Department of Health's AskMBS advice service on 27/07/2020.
Your enquiry has been considered and the following response is provided:
Please note that AskMBS, within the Department of Health, provides guidance on the application and interpretation of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items, explanatory notes and associated legislation. It has no involvement in or visibility of the administration of medical technology or devices. Please also note that the approval for a medical device to be used in Australia does not necessarily enable the operation of that device to attract a Medicare benefit. Benefits are not generally payable for services not listed in the MBS. However, there are some procedural services which are not specifically listed because they are regarded as forming part of an attendance or else attract benefits on an attendance basis—examples include ear syringing and iron infusions.
The collecting of a patient’s history and performing an examination including the use of a diagnostic tool (such as a stethoscope) is regarded as forming part of a professional attendance for Medicare purposes.
Where a patient undertakes ‘remote respiratory smart-phone testing’ prior to their appointment with the doctor it would not be eligible for a Medicare benefit as no personal attendance by the medical practitioner has occurred. As previously advised, no other MBS item would be appropriate for this task. The personal attendance of the medical practitioner upon the patient is necessary before a ‘consultation’ may be regarded as a professional attendance. In itemising a professional attendance covered by an item which refers to a period of time, only that time during which a patient is receiving active attention should be counted. In relation to the time taken in recording details of the service, only clinical details recorded at the time of the attendance upon the patient count towards the time of attendance. It does not include information added at a later time, such as completing progress notes, speaking with nursing staff and/or patients’ families away from the patient. This also applies to information gathered or recorded prior to the attendance service.
Should you require further clarification please contact [email protected], quoting reference Ticket10962.
Thank you for contacting AskMBS.

Seems like a frustrating response. I know TK was flagging this problem in the last shareholder discussion; I think he mentioned adding this to his list of 'things to do' this quarter. The CEO of Coviu told me that they were unable to get an item number themselves. @awichiu do you have further thoughts on this?