If you are involved in diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology services in Australia, you may have heard of the term LSPN. But what exactly is a Location Specific Practice Number (LSPN), and why is it important? This blog post will explain what an LSPN number is, how it functions, and why it matters for healthcare providers and patients alike.
What is an LSPN Number?
A Location Specific Practice Number (LSPN) is a unique identifier assigned by Services Australia to specific practice sites or mobile bases that provide diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology services. Essentially, it is a six-digit number that identifies the exact location where these services are delivered.
Each practice or mobile unit that offers Medicare-eligible diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology must have an LSPN. This number is used to ensure that Medicare claims are linked to the correct service location.
Why is the LSPN Number Important?
- Unique Identification: The LSPN uniquely identifies each diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology site, whether fixed or mobile, preventing confusion and fraud.
- Medicare Claims: When submitting claims for diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology services, the LSPN must be included. Medicare will not process claims without a valid LSPN.
- Accreditation Requirement: To be eligible for Medicare benefits, practices must be accredited under the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) and have a registered LSPN. Accreditation cannot be granted without first obtaining an LSPN from Services Australia.
- Registration Maintenance: Practices must update their LSPN registration details annually. Failure to comply can lead to suspension or cancellation of Medicare eligibility.
How Does One Get an LSPN?
Practices intending to provide Medicare-eligible diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology services must apply to Services Australia for an LSPN. Once allocated, the practice can then apply for accreditation under DIAS. Only after accreditation is granted can the practice claim Medicare benefits.
Maintaining Your LSPN
Services Australia contacts registered practices every year to update their LSPN registration details. If a practice does not respond, their registration may be suspended for up to three months. Continued non-compliance leads to cancellation of the LSPN, making the practice ineligible for Medicare benefits.
How to Check or Manage Your LSPN
Healthcare providers can view and manage their LSPN details through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) by logging in with their Provider Digital Access (PRODA) credentials. Patients and providers can also search the publicly available LSPN Register online to verify the registration status of diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology sites.
Summary
In short, an LSPN number is a vital identifier used in Australia to uniquely register diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology practice locations for Medicare billing and accreditation purposes. It ensures services are delivered from accredited sites and that Medicare claims are properly processed.
If you operate or use diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology services, understanding the role of the LSPN number helps ensure compliance, smooth billing, and confidence in the quality of care.