About Medicare and Diagnostic Imaging

Responsibility for managing Medicare-funded Diagnostic Imaging (DI) services and determining strategies for maintaining and improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of these services is undertaken cooperatively between DI representative groups and the Government as represented by the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department).

In this section:

My practice has ‘deemed accreditation’ until 30 June 2009? What do I do now?

Quality & Best Practice

Update on the development of the next phase of the scheme commencing 1 July 2010

Diagnostic Imaging (DI) is a generic term which covers ultrasound; computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, radiography (x-ray), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and bone densitometry.

The Australian Government provides Medicare rebates for certain relevant DI services. For radiology services, practices are required to participate in the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme in order to access Medicare Benefits.

Medicare Australia administers the payment of Medicare rebates on behalf of the Australian Government.

The legislative basis for the DI services specified in the Diagnostic Imaging Services Table (the Table) is incorporated in the:
Health Insurance Act 1973,
Health Insurance Regulations 1975, and
Health Insurance (Diagnostic Imaging Services Table) Regulations 2007.
The Table of DI Services is set out in Catergory 5 of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

Diagnostic Imaging Memoranda of Understanding

There were four agreements between the Australian Government and Diagnostic Imaging representative groups, known as Quality and Outlays Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These MoUs commenced on 1 July 2003 and expired 30 June 2008.

The Diagnostic Services Branch is responsible for providing policy advice and funding for specialist services including pathology and diagnostic imaging.

The Strategic Review of Future Funding Arrangements for Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology Services

The strategic review is considering options for the future funding of diagnostic imaging services, including the
impact of those arrangements on Government expenditure and the availability and affordability for patients of diagnostic imaging and pathology services. It is expected that the review will be considered by the Government in the lead up to the 2009-10 Budget.

The Terms of Reference address the Government’s key objectives regarding appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, performance assessment and strategic policy alignment. Stakeholders were invited to make submissions addressing some or all of the issues raised under those terms by 31 October 2008.
The address for queries is:
Email: DIandPath.Review@health.gov.au
Mail: Strategic Review of Future Funding for Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology
Diagnostic Services Branch
Department of Health and Ageing
MDP 107
GPO Box 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2601

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