Mixed news for the Clinical Radiology Sector in the Federal Budget Update

The Federal Budget delivered this week is mixed news for the clinical radiology sector, with some notable wins and other less significant gains.

Following the recent launch of the new Medicare schedule, radiation oncology did not feature strongly in this budget.

The highlight announcement was the continuation of the staged process to remove the licensing system for MMM1 areas, with commencement due to begin in mid-2025.

• From 1 July, MRI machines at Lakeview Private Hospital, Barwon Health and Sandringham Hospital will become Medicare eligible.
• This announcement is made up of $17.3 million over three years from 2025-26 to provide affordable access to Medicare-eligible MRI services at these metropolitan locations with below average bulk-billed MRI services, pending MRI licensing requirement changes due to commence 1 July 2027.
  RANZCR has been strongly advocating for the complete removal of MRI licenses for over a decade. This announcement is a welcome continuation of the government’s commitment to more equitable access and is an important win for Australian patients.

Other good news announced in the budget includes new MBS items and removal of some co-claiming restrictions for breast imaging items.

• From 1 November 2025, a new MBS item for 177 Lutetium Dotatate Octreotate (177Lu-DOTA-octreotate) treatment for advanced neuroendocrine neoplasms with high somatostatin receptor expression will be introduced, along with a new whole-body PET scan to determine patient suitability to undergo treatment.
• From 1 November 2025, a new dedicated ultrasound item with a higher fee will be introduced to support women with severe endometriosis.
• From 1 July 2026, co-claiming restrictions will be removed between breast imaging items (55066, 55070, 55071, 55073, 55076 and 55079), breast MRI item (63464) and the chest wall ultrasound item (55812).
• From 1 July 2026, the Multiple Services Rule will no longer apply to certain breast imaging items when co-claimed with each other. This change will affect MBS items 55066, 55070, 55071, 55073, 55076, 55079, 59300, 59302, 59303, 59305, 59312, 59314, 59318 and 63464.

Other positive measures in the budget include:

• From 1 November 2025, the comprehensive facility requirements for PET will be amended to remove the requirement for facilities to also provide oncology services. This change will reduce restrictions placed on providers and improve patient access.
• From 1 July 2026, the timeframe for rendering all diagnostic imaging services on a single request form will be extended from 7 days to within 14 days of the first service being rendered.
  RANZCR will continue to firmly advocate for our profession at all levels of government to ensure the best outcomes for our members and patients.