Epworth licence to scan

Federal Government cash to boost region’s bulk-billed MRI services

MORE than 5000 patients will have greater access to bulkbilled state-of-the-art imaging services at Epworth Geelong after it secured a Medicaresubsidised MRI licence.

Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson visited the Waurn Ponds facility yesterday to share the news that it had been successful in applying for one of 30 licences as part of a $375 million Federal Government funding pledge.

It is estimated about 5900 subsidised MRI services will be provided at Epworth Geelong each year thanks to the licence, which starts in March, saving patients a minimum of $275 per scan.

An Epworth Geelong spokeswoman said once the MRI licence came into effect — expected to be March 1 — it was expected more than 95 per cent of the MRI referrals would be eligible for Medicare rebates.

The rebates depend on the specific scans required for each condition, and whether a patient is referred by a GP, or a specialist, who have greater powers to ensure patients are fully covered for scans.

GPs can refer for specific conditions for regions of the head, cervical spine and knee, parts of the hip, elbow and wrist, and for patients under-16, .

An MRI helps doctors closely inspect muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels to treat neurological, musculoskeletal, oncological and cardiac issues.

Epworth Geelong CEO Damian Armour thanked the Federal Government, Ms Henderson and Geelong business and community groups for supporting the application.

“Patients at a hospital of this size and breadth of services should not have to choose between paying full fees or travelling offsite for essential diagnostic services,” he said.

“A full MRI licence at Epworth Geelong means that patients will no longer compromise on health outcomes based on affordability.

“We are committed to providing fair and equitable access to this cutting-edge technology. Epworth Medical Imaging will bulk bill all Medicarerebatable MRI scans once the licence comes into effect.”

Ms Henderson, who launched a petition last year to support Epworth’s push, said it was a big win for the community.

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about whether a trip to the doctor will require an expensive MRI they can’t afford,” Ms Henderson said.

Epworth Geelong advises patients to ask their referrer to establish the level of gap payment that may be required for particular scans.