MRI scans are necessary tests doctors use to correctly diagnose their patients. But MRIs are expensive with the full fees being anywhere from $200 to $500 per scan.
Some MRIs are coverd by Medicare, but many are not. Even then, not every MRI provider can charge the cost of the scans to Medicare meaning patients have to stump up high out-of-pocket costs.
Box Hill Hospital has a brand new, state-of-the-art MRI machine. But unless you’re admitted as a hospital inpatient, you will have to pay the full fee to get the essential medical tests you need.
That’s because the Morrison Liberal Government hasn’t granted Box Hill Hospital a Medicare license for MRI tests.
Outpatients who need an MRI but can’t afford to pay the full fee have to go somewhere else.
A Medicare-funded MRI license for Box Hill Hospital will mean locals can get the scans they need, close to home and without being hit with high out-of-pocket costs.
As Australians, we are very proud of our universal health system. We are all safe in the knowledge that when we get sick, we will get the medical help we need.
But when it comes to diagnosing the problem, our system can let people down. Tests like MRI scans aren’t always covered by Medicare and not every provider can charge the cost of a patient’s test to Medicare.
That means that sometimes patients have to stump up anywhere between $200 and $500 for their MRI. That’s a lot of money for people to find at a time when there is already uncertainty and stress.
MRIs are used to diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue like tumours and cancers. An MRI can mean the difference in detecting and diagnosing a life-threatening condition early enough to treat it effectively.
MRIs are very important for children who are considered too young for other diagnostic tests involving radiation like CT scans.
MRIs save lives, but for residents of Box Hill and surrounds that’s only if you can afford the high out-of-pocket costs.
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which my offices stand and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
