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Minister announces $1.5 billion boost for diagnostic imaging

Australians will benefit from a substantial funding boost of more than $1.5 billion over five years for diagnostic imaging services, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, announced. The funding is part of four new Agreements between the Government and the wider diagnostic imaging industry.

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29 June 2003

Minister announces $1.5 billion funding boost for diagnostic imaging

Australians will benefit from a substantial funding boost of more than $1.5 billion over five years for diagnostic imaging services, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, announced today.

The funding is part of four new Agreements between the Government and the wider diagnostic imaging industry. The new Agreements, which will come into effect on 1 July, cover cardiac imaging, obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and radiology.

"As another example of the Government's continued commitment to strengthening Medicare, the new Agreements provide more than $7.5 billion over five years - an increase of more than $1.5 billion on the last Agreements," Senator Patterson said.

"The current Agreements have provided a framework for the effective management of expenditure. They have also supported quality initiatives by the Government and the diagnostic imaging industry. In addition, they have enabled more Australians to access Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services," Senator Patterson said.

A key feature of the new Radiology Agreement is that, for the first time, all Medicare funded MRI will be managed in partnership between the Government and the Radiology profession.

"Since 1998, the Government has increased the number of MRI units eligible for Medicare funding from 18 to 73, allowing many more Australians to access this important technology," Senator Patterson said.

The level of Federal Government funding over this time for MRI services has increased from approximately $20 million to more than $100 million a year.

"I look forward to working with the profession to further expand access to this sophisticated diagnostic imaging tool," Senator Patterson said.

Each of these Agreements provide for collaboration between the Government and industry to promote affordability of services for patients. Additional funds are available under the Radiology Agreement subject to containment of costs to patients.

"I appreciate the co-operative spirit evident throughout negotiations with all the professional organisations involved, and I look forward to maintaining productive relationships as we manage these Agreements over the next five years," Senator Patterson said.

"These Agreements will benefit many Australians and enhance not only their quality of life, but the quality of the Australian health care system," Senator Patterson said.

Media inquiries: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.