MBS Criteria for Bulk Billing Urine Microscopy and Culture

USANZ would like to highlight to Members the MBS criteria for bulk billing urinary microscopy and culture (MBS item 69333).

As outlined on Medicare Benefits Scheule - Item 69333, practitioners must provide a qualifying MBS indication for Urine Microscopy and Culture testing to attract a Medicare rebate. 

The MBS website states that Item 69333 relates to urine examination (including serial examinations), if:

(a) the patient has symptoms of urinary tract infection or kidney disease, or is a clinically‑indicated asymptomatic patient who is:

  • (i) pregnant; or
  • (ii) less than 16 years of age; or
  • (iii) a renal transplant recipient; or
  • (iv) suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections; or
  • (v) being investigated or monitored for kidney disease; or
  • (vi) undergoing urinary tract instrumentation, a urological procedure or transurethral resection of the prostate; and

(b) the examination is performed by any means other than simple culture by dip slide, including:

  • (i) cell count; and
  • (ii) culture; and
  • (iii) colony count; and
  • (iv) (if performed) stained preparations; and
  • (v) (if performed) identification of cultured pathogens; and
  • (vi) (if performed) antibiotic susceptibility testing; and
  • (vii) (if performed) examination for pH, specific gravity, blood, protein, urobilinogen, sugar, acetone or bile salts

Fee: $20.55 Benefit: 75% = $15.45 85% = $17.50

Common symptoms of urinary tract infection or kidney disease may include but are not limited to:

  • burning sensation during urination
  • haematuria
  • frequent or infrequent urination
  • urine that is dark, cloudy, frothy or strong smelling
  • pain or pressure in the lower abdomen and/or pelvic region
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • chills and/or fever
  • signs of sepsis or delirium

The following situations (without symptoms or risk factors listed in the description) do not make item 69333 applicable:

  • undergoing non-urological surgery
  • spinal cord injuries
  • diabetes
  • indwelling urinary catheters
  • advanced age or aged care residency

Further information is outlined on the MBS listing.


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