Download Fragment

Monday, 12 September 2011
Page: 9839

Macarthur Electorate: MRI Services

(Question No. 442)

Mr Matheson asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 4 July 2011:

In respect of a statement she made on the benefits, particularly in reduced travel time for frail and elderly patients, of having an MRI machine at Campbelltown Hospital (ABC News, Thursday 22 July 2010), the only Medicare rebated MRI in the Macarthur region, (a) why are pensioners in this region being forced to use private diagnostic MRI services at Campbelltown hospital, costing in excess of $350 per procedure, despite being referred by public doctors, and (b) what measures is she taking to provide equity between inpatients and patients referred by public doctors concerning the cost of the use of this machine.

Ms Roxon: The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

Patients in Campbelltown already have access to Medicare-eligible MRI services at the unit located at the Campbelltown Private Hospital.

In addition, it was announced in the Budget that a second MRI unit in Campbelltown will be granted Medicare eligibility for some Medicare items from 1 November 2012.

Further, Campbelltown Hospital's MRI unit has also been identified as a unit that may be granted partial Medicare eligibility for some Medicare items from 1 November 2012. The new MRI unit at Campbelltown Hospital, a 2010 election commitment, is already in place and is being used to provide services to inpatients. The Government provided over $3 million for the new MRI machine and other equipment for Campbelltown hospital.

The Department of Health and Ageing is working with providers, including the Campbelltown Hospital, where more information is required to determine eligibility for their machine. The final list of Medicare-eligible MRI units will be available in the near future.

These additional licences for Medicare eligibility for MRI units are part of the 2011-12 Budget measure to expand patient access to MRI services by increasing the number of units where patients are able to receive a Medicare rebate, and allowing GPs to refer patients for certain conditions without needing to see a specialist first.

Further details about the reforms can be found at:

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pathol-di-mri-index