First published October 26, 2016.
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Eurobodalla patients will have access to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine from early 2017, but a Medicare rebate remains out of sight.
South East Radiology business manager Peter Mundey said the $2 million diagnostic suite would be installed in its Moruya practice next month, and it was expected to be operational early next year.
Mr Mundey said this was a tremendous boost for the region, with patients no longer needing to travel to Canberra, Bega or Nowra for MRIs.
But the current lack of a Medicare licence to allow South East Radiology to bulk bill patients remained unresolved, he said.
"We are an organisation that takes the provision of high standard and comprehensive medical imaging very seriously, which is why South East Radiology is committed to this project, despite running at a significant loss to provide this service for an indefinite time to come," Mr Mundey said.
The absence of a Medicare rebate meant patients would likely be charged between $275-300 for a scan. While the fee would help keep the new service running, it was "no where close" to the true cost of its provision.
X-rays and CT scans had their strengths, but MRIs were vital in the diagnosis of various cancers and tumours, neurological conditions, such as strokes and multiple sclerosis, as well as spinal and musculoskeletal injuries. They were often necessary for diagnosis, or to determine treatment or surgery.
Mr Mundey said patients in a critical condition and needing a rapid diagnosis [via MRI] had to be taken to Canberra, or have a CT scan locally.
The shire’s elderly may be reluctant to undergo MRI examinations if they had to either travel too far or were going to be significantly out of pocket, he said.
In 2012, the service unsuccessfully tendered for a Medicare licence for an MRI system for the Eurobodalla. A second approach was made in June this year, with an appeal for help to Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis.
"Ann Sudmalis has taken it forward to the Health Minister [Sussan Ley], as granting a new license would essentially require a special ruling from her," Mr Mundey said, adding that Eurobodalla Shire Council also offered its support to South East Radiology's campaign.
"As yet there's been no formal answer. While it is a waiting game, we have to keep moving forward ourselves," he said.