The MBS defines a number of items where a provider might see multiple patients, where the fee is derived from another factor such as number of patients seen.
Related topic: Items With Unit Modifier
Example: https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=5049&qt=item
MBS Items with this behaviour as of 1st Nov 2024 include:
- Professional Attendances at an Institution: 4, 24, 37, 47, 58, 59, 60, 65, 5003, 5023, 5043, 5063, 5220, 5223, 5227, 5228
- Attendances at a Residential Aged Care Facility: 5010, 5028, 5049, 5067, 5260, 5263, 5265, 5267
- Others: 294
Configuration
If you have not done so already, via Admin > Accounting > MBS Items, search for and Save to Items the relevant item number.
This will ensure that the system recognises your item as a Derived fee type when invoicing.
Importantly, you will need to change the item type to Fixed Fee and specify the parent item has a Default Single Unit Modifier before continuing.
Admin > Items > Search > (Your item, ie 5049) > Edit
Set the Fee Type
Set the Default Single Unit Modifier (only on the initial item)
Next, look up the specific pricing via the MBS. You will often see a link to the Ready Reckoner.
For the first item, key in the schedule fees for one patient.
Repeat this process, creating items with a "/" and the number of patients. IE: 5049/2 for two patients.
Importantly, you do not need to tick "Default single unit modifier" - this is only required so that your item 5049 reports as 5049/1 or "one patient".
Key in the pricing for the relevant number of patients.
