Cash price of an MRI scan

[angieliu]

Thar's really interesting that you mention that the department's view about the status of sports medicine. I thought I read somewhere that they were working with ACSP to negotiate.

It's a pity that it is taking so long especially when MRI scans sometimes can not be very accurate as it depends on how well the technician is at operating the material and how well the radiologists interprets it.

[Merri]

Symbion (previously Mayne) at St George Private is $175 and that is the rebate. I don't know if there are any conscessions. I understand the MRI unit at POW is probably the best because they do have the newest machines. POW also have a unit that B/B but of course you have to wait it you want it for free. In our office situation it would be better if the patient did bring the MRI with them but I don't know who would write the referral (the GP?) in my case the patient waits months for the appointment then another month for MRI and follow up, lot of time wasted.

[LMT]

When I was waiting for an MRI scan of my ankle I enquired about having it done privately (hoping that it would speed up the consultation & treatment process). Here in the UK I was quoted £600 - £1200. In the end I had it done on the NHS after 3 weeks, but still had to pay £50 for hard copies of the scans.

LMT

[injuryupdate]

It goes to show how competitive prices are in Australia. A$250, which is 100 pounds, is a great price by world standards. A pity there is still no Medicare rebate when the MRI is ordered by a sports physician. According to our genius health department, sports medicine is now officially a specialty but they haven't decided whether the sports physicians who work in this 'specialty' area are actually specialists. Outcome = Medicare won't give an MRI rebate if ordered by a sports physician. Not hard to see why the government is taking such a long time to make this decision.

[mrbear]

This might be a stupid question but can an orthotist provide an MRI referal? How about a GP? Good informtion contained here. Thanks guys.

[mrbear]

This might be a stupid question but can an orthotist provide an MRI referal? How about a GP? Good informtion contained here. Thanks guys.

Oh yeh..I'm in Melbourne if that bears any significance to this matter at all!!!

[fiona]

I work for a medico-legal company in England.

We have a client that as been involved in a road traffic accident, and needs an MRI scan. Please can you forward me the cost of an MRI Scan.

Please note we will be paying for the scan not the client.

I look forward to reciving your response to this matter

Many Thanks

Fiona

[BenM]

At the Alfred we completely bulk bill most tests from specialists, depending on the test.
GP referred MR is usually ~$250, depending on the test.
Nowhere in Australia can legally see you without a referral.
A specialist referral does not mean you can definitely be bulk billed as medicare does not support certain tests.
The last budget makes provision for GP's to refer for MRI Knee, where ligament damage is suspected and MRI Brain where MS is suspected.
For the poster in melbourne who was worried about bleeding, is your issue resolved?

Regards
Ben

[BenM]

Fiona,
Please see above message.

I work for a medico-legal company in England.

We have a client that as been involved in a road traffic accident, and needs an MRI scan. Please can you forward me the cost of an MRI Scan.

Please note we will be paying for the scan not the client.

I look forward to reciving your response to this matter

Many Thanks

Fiona

[ebayhtl]

A little bit OT - I'm still not sure after reading these posts (great posts regardless), if I get a referral from GP can I get a medicare rebate? Or is it only certain specialists?

If I go see a neurosurgeon for my back, I really would like to have the MRI done before I see him so I don't need to wait and then go again - that's a waste of time. I would rather pay the non-medicare rebate price than having to go back again.

Thanks - Hoi.