New paediatric MBS item numbers start today
1 July 2026
Two new MBS items for Level 2 sleep studies for children and adolescents have been introduced and are now available for use.
The item number links above include the related Associated Note in relation to billing and the Explanatory Note that further elaborates on the intent of the wording in the new item numbers.
One significant difference between these item numbers and the adult unattended study item numbers is that the investigations can only occur after a consultation with a paediatric sleep physician (for Item 12218) or a sleep physician (for Item 12219).
"The ASA is proud to mark the arrival of these important new item numbers after more than four years' effort to achieve this result," says ASA CEO, Marcia Balzer.
"Our small working group of paediatric sleep physicians sustained an extraordinary level of effort over those years to finally achieve this result. I want to thank Moya Vandeleur, Karen Waters, Jasneek Chawla and Margaret-Anne Harris for their commitment, hard work and persistence to achieve this milestone.
"Clinical Chair, David Cunnington, and Immediate Past President, Garun Hamilton, also supported this initiative by assisting the working group from their previous experiences working with MBS item numbers for adult home sleep studies.
"This is exactly why the ASA exists - to help all of us collectively work together to achieve better sleep health for our communities. Australian children and their families will have better access to diagnostic services and significantly shorter wait times thanks to our collective efforts," Ms Balzer said.
The ASA will be passing on feedback to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in relation to implementation of the new item numbers. Please send your questions and feedback to CEO, Marcia Balzer, for consideration and action.