Diagnostic Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is an expensive and sophisticated technology and since its introduction on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), MRI has been carefully managed through requester, provider and item level restrictions. These controls help support the provision of high quality, safe and cost-effective health care for all Australians.
Under the Diagnostic Imaging Review Reform Package 2011-12 (the Package) – Better Access to MRI services, the Australian Government has recently undertaken the most significant expansion of MRI Medicare eligibility since MRIs first became publicly funded in 1998.
In 2012, the Government increased the provision of Full and Partial Medicare-eligible MRI units throughout Australia to a total of 341. This will benefit patients to have access to faster diagnosis of medical conditions and more timely choices of treatment.
Full Medicare-eligible MRI units
These units may provide ALL the MRI items listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). These include the:- Six new GP requested items for patients under the age of 16;
- Five existing specialist and consultant physician requested cancer staging items and breast screening services for woman at risk and under 50 years of age; and
- Four interim listed PIP Breast MRI items.
Partial Medicare-eligible MRI units
These units may provide a limited number of MRI items listed on the MBS. These are the:- Six new GP requested items for Patients under the age of 16;
- Five existing specialist and consultant physician requested cancer staging items and breast screening services for woman at risk and under 50 years of age;
- Three existing modifying items; and
- Four interim listed PIP Breast MRI items.
A summary of Medicare eligible MRI units are listed by State below: Note: Planned units yet to become operational are listed as ‘inactive’
