All ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services to be cheaper under plan

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Patients who need x-rays and ultrasounds will end up paying less under a new Morrison government pledge to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the services.

The health minister, Greg Hunt, announced on Sunday the government would expand indexation of Medicare payments to all ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services over three years from 1 July 2020 – for the first time in 20 years.

The promise means Medicare rebates for about 90% of diagnostic imaging services will increase regularly at a cost to the commonwealth of almost $200m.

Which scans will be covered?

mammograms

pregnancy ultrasounds

echocardiograms

angiograms

image-guided procedures

CT scans for the diagnosis and management of cancer

X-rays for fractures



