Needing a MRI scan, I made an appointment at my usual imaging mob. They told me what it would cost but they did NOT tell me that, if I got it done at the mob over the road, rather than with them,it would be covered by Medicare. A saving of hundreds of dollars.
Apparently the Government only recognises a limited number of MRI machines for Medicare purposes but imaging firms are free to buy them in the hope that they will get enough custom even without Medicare cover. Fair enough provided they WARN people that they are about to get ripped off.
When booking a scan make sure to check that you will be entitled to Medicare reimbursement. If your doctor hands you a referral naming a particular provider ask him whether it is Medicare-approved and, if not, get an open referral or one to a firm covered by medicare.
[ED (Ntp) – Anyone know which imaging firms in Canberra are and aren’t Medicare approved?]
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