In Australia’s healthcare landscape, Location Specific Practice Numbers (LSPNs) play a vital role in managing diagnostic imaging services, including ultrasound. If you’re a healthcare provider or practice manager involved with ultrasound services, understanding how LSPNs relate to ultrasound equipment and Medicare billing is essential. This blog post will explain the connection between LSPNs and ultrasound services, recent changes, and what providers need to know to stay compliant.
What is an LSPN?
An LSPN is a unique six-digit identifier assigned by Services Australia to specific diagnostic imaging practice locations or mobile bases. This number is crucial for Medicare billing and accreditation purposes, as it identifies the exact site where diagnostic imaging services, such as ultrasound, are delivered.
How Does LSPN Apply to Ultrasound Services?
Historically, each piece of diagnostic imaging equipment, including ultrasound transducers, required separate registration under a practice’s LSPN for Medicare eligibility. However, since July 1, 2018, there has been a significant change regarding ultrasound equipment registration:
- Ultrasound transducers no longer require separate registration. Instead, only the main ultrasound machine needs to be registered under the practice’s LSPN.
- This change simplifies the registration process and reduces administrative burdens for practices offering ultrasound services.
Why is LSPN Important for Ultrasound Providers?
- Medicare Billing Compliance: To claim Medicare benefits for ultrasound services, the service must be provided at a location with a valid LSPN registered with Medicare.
- Accreditation Requirements: Practices offering ultrasound must be accredited under the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS), which requires an active LSPN registration.
- Equipment Management: The registered ultrasound machine must meet safety and quality standards, and its details should be accurately recorded in the LSPN equipment list.
How to Manage Your Ultrasound Equipment Under LSPN
If you operate an ultrasound service, here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure Your Practice Has an Active LSPN: Register your practice location or mobile base with Services Australia to obtain an LSPN if you don’t already have one.
- Register Your Ultrasound Machine: List the main ultrasound equipment under your LSPN through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). There is no need to register individual transducers separately.
- Maintain Accreditation: Keep your practice accredited under DIAS, which involves regular assessments and compliance with safety standards.
- Keep Equipment Details Up to Date: Update your equipment list in HPOS whenever you add, replace, or remove ultrasound machines.
What Happens If You Don’t Register Your Ultrasound Equipment Properly?
Failure to maintain accurate LSPN registration and equipment details can lead to:
- Claim Rejections: Medicare may reject claims for ultrasound services if provided at an unregistered location or with unregistered equipment.
- Suspension of Medicare Benefits: Practices risk suspension or cancellation of their LSPN, affecting their ability to bill Medicare.
- Accreditation Issues: Non-compliance with DIAS requirements can jeopardise your accreditation status.
Useful Tips for Ultrasound Providers
- Use your PRODA account to access HPOS and manage your LSPN and equipment registrations securely.
- Regularly review your LSPN details and equipment list to ensure accuracy.
- Stay informed about any changes to Medicare or accreditation requirements by subscribing to updates from Services Australia and DIAS.
- If you operate mobile ultrasound services, ensure each base location has its own LSPN registration.
For ultrasound providers in Australia, understanding the role of LSPNs is essential for Medicare compliance and accreditation. The simplification of ultrasound equipment registration—focusing on the main machine rather than individual transducers—has made the process more straightforward. By maintaining accurate LSPN registration and keeping your equipment details up to date, you ensure your practice remains eligible for Medicare benefits and continues providing high-quality diagnostic services.