If your doctor has recommended medical imaging tests such as an MRI scan, ultrasound or Computed Tomography, you may be concerned about covering the cost of the tests. Medical imaging tests can be expensive, especially when multiple scans are required. For people experiencing financial difficulties, paying for Computed Tomography or an MRI scan may simply not be an option.
Fortunately, under the Health Insurance Act (1973), people are able to receive free medical care without incurring out of pocket expenses. Any patient eligible to receive benefits under Medicare is entitled to receive the medical care they need - be that consultations, medical imaging tests or treatment - and to have the cost bulk billed to Medicare by the treating doctor or health care professional.
Medicare Bulk Billed Radiology Services
Bulk billing is a convenient way for patients to avoid unnecessary expenses and receive important medical imaging tests without delay. This radiology services allow the patient to avoid all (or most) out of pocket expenses, ensuring that financial difficulties are not a reason for having to delay having essential imaging tests conducted.
In order to have your medical imaging tests covered under Medicare you will have to assign your right to receive Medicare benefit to the treating doctor. The doctor then bills Medicare directly for the cost of the services provided. If a doctor agrees to bulk bill, it is done so on the understanding that this will be for full payment for the service. The patient does not then need to cover the cost and claim the money back.
If a service such as a Computed Tomography scan is being bulk billed, it is not possible for that healthcare provider to charge you additional costs, such as consumables, booking charges, administration costs or record keeping fees.
It is possible to have multiple medical imaging tests covered under this radiology services agreement, although you should check with the radiology clinic prior to arranging your consultation. In some situations, there may be some patient expenditure required.
One problem faced by many patients is that not all radiology centres offer this kind of services, so it may be necessary to conduct a little research to find a radiology centre in your area which offers bulk billing.
At the Radiology Centre
When you arrive at the radiology centre you will be asked to show your Medicare card and you will need to complete and sign a form which confirms that you have been provided with medical services, and that they were prescribed by your doctor.
Everything else will be taken care of by the staff at the radiology centre. It is important to check prior to arranging a consultation that the clinic offered this radiology services, and that all services can be covered under this arrangement.
If you are unsure if you qualify for a bulk billed radiology services under Medicare and your doctor has recommended an MRI scan, ultrasound imaging test or Computed Tomography, you should consult your local Medicare office for advice.