MBS changes to Urine Culture Testing from 1 July 2025

From 1 July, patients are only eligible for a Medicare rebate for urine cultures if clinical indications are documented on the request form.

Medicare funding for urine culture testing is limited to:

• Patients with signs or symptoms of UTI or kidney disease (e.g., dysuria, frequency, fever, delirium, sepsis)
• Specific asymptomatic groups, including: 
  o    Pregnant patients
  o    Children <16 years
  o    Renal transplant recipients
  o    Patients with recurrent UTIs
  o    Patients being investigated for or monitored for kidney disease
  o    Patients undergoing urological procedures (e.g., instrumentation, TURP)

Routine testing of asymptomatic patients, including aged care residents without symptoms or tests requested without a documented clinical indication, will no longer be eligible for Medicare funding.

Necessary actions

• Ensure clinical indications are clearly documented when requesting urine cultures.
• Refer to current guidelines for UTI and kidney disease.
• Read the Amendments to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for urine testing in asymptomatic patients.
  
  For more information, visit MBS Online.
  
  If you have any questions, please email your queries to askMBS@health.gov.au.