Election 2016
OUT of pocket costs for diagnostic imaging are set to continue to increase under both major parties after revelations an ALP election promise to restore indexation for medical services will not cover radiology services.
The Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association says the failure will mean higher costs for x-rays, MRIs and PET scans and will decrease bulk-billing, even for concession patients.
Average patient gap payments of almost $100 were charged on more than 5.5 million radiology services in 2014-15.
Patient gaps doubled in the last decade and the current average gap for a CT scan is $145 and $173 for an MRI.
In May, Opposition leader Bill Shorten promised a Labor government would restore indexation to GP, allied health and medical specialist services from January 1, 2017.
However the plans do not include radiology services including those used to diagnose cancer.
"Labor's pledge reinstates indexation on rebates that have been frozen for four years, but ignores the 18-year funding freeze on diagnostic imaging," ADIA vice-president Dr Sue Ulreich said.
"It is essential that diagnosis is affordable for all Australians and that patients who leave their GPs with a referral for a scan are not put off by the cost."
She said access to some scans was already an issue in many areas, particularly in low socio-economic areas.
"Services for diagnosing cancer such as mammography and biopsies will become even harder to access, including for concession patients.
"Labor is being disingenuous by campaigning on a policy platform that they won't commit to.
"They are presenting themselves as the party to save Medicare, and should make their policies reflect this by immediately implementing indexation for scans and x-rays.
"Since January the Opposition leader has appeared at many radiology practices, including several of our members' practices, and promised to protect patients from higher out-of-pocket costs.
"We are holding Labor to honor its commitments."
Parramatta radiologist Dr Joseph Sanki said patients already could not afford to pay the gaps on medical imaging, and bulk billing was becoming impossible.
"Cancer patients need these scans on a recurrent basis, so for those patients in poorer suburbs around Australia to front up and be asked to pay thousands of dollars, common sense would say it won't happen."
