Medicare billing for skin cancer medicine

The course is divided into five detailed units:

Unit 1: Medicare Billing Guidelines for Skin Cancer Medicine
This unit introduces the fundamental Medicare billing rules related to skin cancer medicine. Participants will learn about consultation item numbers, including the importance of time-based billing and the proper documentation required to support billing claims. It also highlights common errors such as billing for consultations during procedures, ensuring practitioners avoid penalties and audits​.

Unit 2: Procedural Item Numbers
In this unit, participants will gain an understanding of the correct procedural item numbers to use for various treatments, including biopsies, excisions, and non-surgical methods like cryotherapy and curettage. The unit emphasises the multiple services rule and explains how to handle billing for punch and shave biopsies. Detailed explanations of how to calculate excision sizes and margins for accurate billing are also provided.

Unit 3: Workflow Management – Part 1
Unit 3 focuses on setting up an efficient workflow for skin cancer services in a general practice setting. It covers the best practices for organising skin checks, biopsies, and surgical sessions, ensuring that time management is optimised for both patient care and billing. Participants will learn how to structure appointment books to accommodate skin checks, biopsies, and surgeries in a seamless, stress-free manner​.

Unit 4: Workflow Management – Part 2
This unit expands on the practical tools needed to streamline skin cancer services. From setting up examination rooms with the appropriate equipment to ensuring the availability of instruments like dermatoscopes and biopsy kits, this unit covers how to make skin cancer procedures efficient. Emphasis is placed on the use of imaging technology and ensuring patient comfort through well-structured appointments​.

Unit 5: Workflow Management – Part 3
The final unit provides additional tips for managing patient care and communication. It discusses patient consent, managing complications, and handling post-procedure care. The unit also focuses on maximising Medicare billing opportunities by ensuring accurate documentation and understanding when to refer patients to specialists.

This course offers practical strategies for Medicare billing, helping healthcare professionals ensure compliance while improving practice efficiency and patient satisfaction.