Medicare Billing for Small Tear Management in Australian General Practice
In addition to item number 23, you can bill item number 30026 for wound management of a small tear when using dressings and steri-strips in general practice.
Understanding Medicare Item Numbers for Wound Management
Primary Item Number
- Item 23: Standard consultation for less complex cases in general practice
Additional Billable Item Numbers
- Item 30026: For wounds requiring dressings and non-suture closure methods like steri-strips
- This item covers the repair of superficial skin lacerations using tissue adhesive only or steri-strips
- Can be billed in addition to the consultation item number (23)
Appropriate Documentation Requirements
To successfully bill both items, ensure your documentation includes:
- Detailed description of the wound (size, depth, location)
- Cleaning/irrigation method used
- Type of dressing applied
- Specific mention of steri-strips application
- Any patient education provided
- Follow-up plan
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Insufficient documentation: Medicare may reject claims without adequate documentation of wound characteristics and treatment
- Double billing: Ensure you're not billing for services already covered under item 23
- Incorrect wound classification: Item 30026 is specifically for superficial wounds managed with non-suture methods
Clinical Best Practices for Small Tear Management
When managing small tears with dressings and steri-strips:
- Clean the wound with normal saline or clean water 1
- Leave small blisters intact and drain larger ones while keeping the blister roof in place 2
- Apply steri-strips perpendicular to the wound after ensuring the skin is dry
- Cover with a non-adherent dressing to protect the wound 1
- Secure dressings with non-adhesive tape or transparent film 1
Billing Algorithm for Wound Management
- For simple consultation with minimal wound care: Bill item 23 only
- For consultation plus wound repair with steri-strips: Bill items 23 + 30026
- For more complex wounds requiring sutures: Consider other procedural item numbers (30029,30032, etc.)
Remember that appropriate billing not only ensures proper reimbursement but also accurately reflects the level of care provided to your patients.