A review of Medicare covered MRI services could result in an expansion to the indications GPs can claim a rebate for.
The federal health department is currently reviewing the rebates for MRI services, as well as the requesting and access pathways of the services.
The RACGP supports increasing the clinical indications that would allow GPs to request rebated services and has provided its feedback on the proposal.
The government’s proposed initial phase of changes would allow GPs to refer patients for MBS-funded lumbar spine MRIs; thoracolumbar spine MRIs; foot, hip, ankle and shoulder MRIs; as well as MRIs for potential stress or insufficiency fractures.
The RACGP’s submission on the government’s proposal also called for multiparametric MRI of the prostate requested by GPs to be included in the first phase of changes.
Currently, this procedure can only be requested by urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, not GPs.
RELATED: Cervical disc replacements: the long-term evidence
The RACGP noted that patient access to MRI services in rural and remote areas was a critical issue.
“Limited access to non-GP specialists means patients often wait months (sometimes years) for an MRI that their GP cannot currently order,” its submission read.
“This delays diagnosis and treatment, prolongs pain, and leads to avoidable deterioration. Enabling GPs to request MRIs directly would significantly improve timely access to imaging, fast-track management, and ensure only those who truly need specialist care are referred on.”
Each phase of the expansion to MBS-rebated MRI services would be informed by the previous phase.
Want more news, clinicals, features and guest columns delivered straight to you? Subscribe for free to WA’s only independent magazine for medical practitioners.
Want to submit an article? Email editor@mforum.com.au