The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) today welcomes the Federal Government’s additional $150m commitment to Medicare-subsidised MRI but stresses that a clear and transparent process must be followed in the granting of licences.
“Hundreds of thousands of MRI scans are performed every year, underlining its importance in Australian healthcare,” RANZCR President Dr Lance Lawler said. “It provides vital information when radiologists need to analyse the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, joints and other soft tissues. “It is a potentially life-saving technology which all Australian patients should have access to, no matter where they live."
“As was uncovered in the 2017 Senate Inquiry, there are real problems for Australian patients being able to access MRI services. Patients, including cancer patients, are facing out-of-pocket costs, delays while waiting for access or are skipping tests altogether at the expense of their health. MRI services remain underutilised in Australia."
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“As the peak professional organisation for clinical radiology in Australia, RANZCR has long campaigned for improved patient access to MRI. RANZCR therefore welcomes this additional funding commitment by the Federal Government."
“RANZCR has argued, however, that the rules for MRI services in Australia must change to significantly increase access, support and patient management and thereby improve clinical outcomes."
“RANZCR also believes the cost of these additional licences has been overestimated and encourages the Federal Government to invest any outstanding funding on increasing access and affordability to patients who require these vital scans."
“RANZCR therefore calls on the Federal Government to ensure these new licences are granted in a clear and transparent manner, based on the best clinical outcomes for Australian patients."
“RANZCR has engaged with both the Federal Government and Opposition on this issue and is happy to continue this dialogue.”
Notes for editors: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists is the leading professional organisation for the promotion of the science and practice of the medical specialties of clinical radiology and radiation oncology in Australia and New Zealand.
