Mitchell to receive Medicare-eligible MRI licence in Bella Vista
Patients in Mitchell and throughout the North West Sydney will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, with the Liberal National Government announcing an upgraded licence to PRP Diagnostics Imaging at Norwest Private Hospital.
This full MRI licence means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 5,900 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.
An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.
It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.
“PRP Norwest has been awarded one of only 50 newly fully Medicare rebated MRI licences. We feel honoured to have been chosen out of the 490 applications received by the Australian Government. PRP will be able to continue to provide a quality service now with a greater number of Medicare subsidised imaging examinations.
“This new licence will have a positive impact on the community, in particular Australians in their fight against cancer and other medical conditions. PRP now holds 2 fully Medicare funded MRI licences across its 26 practices, providing its patients greater access to diagnostic imaging”, said Peter Carr, Acting Chairman, PRP Diagnostics Imaging.
Norwest Private Hospital General Manager, Deborah Fogarty said “We’re delighted we can offer additional MRI services to residents in the Hills and broader western Sydney community, continuing our commitment of providing exceptional patient care.
“This potentially lifesaving MRI machine can detect and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions and diseases, including cancers, soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments, joint and spinal injuries or disease and heart and vascular disease, aiding our staff and doctors in developing treatment plans and providing quality clinical outcomes”.
Patients should expect to receive the Medicare-covered MRI services from April.
Alex Hawke said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.
“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Alex Hawke said.
“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.”
“Our investment in MRI licences of over $375 million over the forward estimates for 50 new locations around the country delivers on the Government’s commitment to improve access and outcomes for patients.”
“We have also committed to reduce the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.”
“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.”
“The Government is committed to delivering improved health services which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Alex Hawke said.
The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.