Radiology cuts will hit poor, says network head

The general manager of a radiology network that operates a clinic in Woy Woy has claimed that Federal Government plans to cut Medicare funding to diagnostic imaging services will unfairly affect low-income residents

"I'm deeply concerned that patients, particularly those with serious health issues, are really going to suffer," said Mr Jason Martinez of I-Med, which operates a clinic at Brisbane.Waters Private Hospital.

Imaging services affected will include ultrasounds, x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging.

"Many patients who currently attend the clinic are in lower income brackets and bulk billing ensures they can access diagnostic imaging scans their GP or medical specialist requires for diagnosis and treatment.

"These cuts by the Government will mean patient costs will have to go up, and many people from the local area simply won't be able to afford that.

"They may avoid having the imaging they need, and health conditions could go undiagnosed and untreated," Mr Martinez said.

"The Government's proposed policy will see general patients, who were being bulk-billed, go from paying nothing to paying gaps and potentially hundreds of dollars up front," he said.

"Under the changes, due to come into effect on July 1, if you are not a concession patient or under 16 years of age, the government expects patients to pay the full cost of diagnostic imaging services up front plus a possible gap payment.

The rebate cuts announced in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook will likely be passed on to patients with price increases from $100 out of pocket for an ultrasound to more than $200 out of pocket for an MRI.

In addition, Medicare rules do not currently allow patients to pay just the gap up front, which means patients will also need to pay the full cost of the service before getting a refund.

Mr Martinez said the proposed cuts are fundamentally unfair and will create a two-tiered health system with a big gap between those who can afford to pay for potentially life-saving imaging and those who can't.

"Patients are real people who deserve to be looked after.

"The Government has to cancel these cuts and not penalise patients."

Media release, 11 Apr 2016

Sarah Newlove, I-Med radiology