Financial obstacles to women's healthcare must be removed.
We have provided feedback to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) review of diagnostic imaging services , aligned with our continuing commitment to improving women's healthcare access through fairer, more equitable services.
The review highlights how current fee structures are skewed, creating disparities in the accessibility of services for women compared to men.
We support the review's proposed changes, with key recommendations focussing upon revised fees reflecting service complexity, practitioner expertise, and the time required for the associated procedures. These changes aim to remove financial barriers for women and support healthcare providers in delivering these essential services.
Key recommendations include fee increases to obstetric and gynaecological ultrasounds, and scans related to monochorionic multiple pregnancies. These procedures are more complex and time-consuming than other pelvic scans, for example, which currently receive greater subsidisation. These services must be appropriately subsidised to promote early intervention and better maternal health outcomes, particularly with the rising average age of first-time mothers in Australia.
We have advised a dedicated ultrasound MBS item for women undergoing scans related to endometriosis, infertility, and pelvic mass conditions should be on the table to ensure patients with specific conditions are supported with tailored, accessible care.
We are also advocating for the removal of the '7-day rule' for breast and diagnostic imaging services, which limits patients from claiming subsequent imaging procedures within a week of the first. This would be a significant win for patients in rural and regional areas who must travel longer distances to access imaging services.
While a significant number of items are being reviewed, it is important to note there are issues in other parts of the MBS that should be amended to improve equity. The MBS must be streamlined for patients and clinicians navigating the system to improve access for consumers in genuine need of services. The AMA hopes this review represents the first in a series of consultations to address disparities in the MBS.
