Medicare-Eligible MRI Unit for Bundaburg

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The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon today announced that a Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service will be provided in Bundaberg, Queensland, by Bundaberg Radiology Pty Ltd as trustee for Bundaberg Radiology Trust.

The Minister today visited Bundaberg to congratulate the Mater Misericordiae Hospital who will operate the service.

Earlier this year, the Government confirmed 15 locations for new Medicare-eligible MRI services, including Bundaberg and applications were invited from potential providers for assessment.

The Department of Health and Ageing will work with Bundaberg Radiology Pty Ltd to help start Medicare-eligible MRI services at Bundaberg.

It is especially pleasing that Bundaberg Radiology Pty Ltd has agreed that most patients will be bulk billed and that no patients will incur out-of-pocket costs.

MRI uses magnetic fields to generate images that can help diagnose illnesses. It is especially effective on soft tissue, making it important for working with diseases such as some cancers and strokes.

The Government recognises the value offered by convenient and affordable MRI services to patients and communities throughout Australia.

Enabling people to be able to claim MRI services on the proposed Bundaberg Radiology Pty Ltd MRI unit at Bundaberg is part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver better health care to working families – and an important step towards building a better health system for a modern Australia.

For media enquiries, contact Ms Roxon's office (02) 6277 7220