Changes to the Medicare schedule fee for cataract procedures

Last updated: 8th December 2009

As part of the 2009-10 Federal Budget, the Federal Government undertook a review of some Medicare-funded medical services.  It was determined that over time, some medical procedures have become shorter to perform and as a result, the Medicare Benefits Scheme fees currently provided did not necessarily reflect the current nature of the services performed.

What has changed or cataract procedures?

To address this issue, the Government announced the Medicare schedule fee for standard cataract procedures will be reduced to better reflect the time and complexity for these services. 

What does that mean for the cost of my cataract procedure?

MBF rebates are linked to the Medicare Benefits Schedule. We will continue to pay at least 25% or more of any schedule fee for cataract procedures, in line with the percentage amount we have always contributed.

However, we do not control the fee charged by doctors for cataract procedures and it is not yet clear what they will do regarding their charges as a result of this change.

Importantly, we will continue to work doctors to secure the best possible outcome for our customers.

But what will I pay?

Until we know what doctors intend to charge for cataract procedures, we can't speculate as to what the out-of-pocket cost will be. 

We will have a far clearer idea of gap-free and lowest cost cataract services as more procedures are carried out under the new arrangements.