AMA calls for GP rebates for ECGs to be restored

AMA calls for GP rebates for ECGs to be restored

14 Mar 2024

The Australian Medical Association is calling for patient rebates for GPs to interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs) to be restored.

In a media statement, AMA President Professor Steve Robson said that since the relevant MBS items were removed in 2020, patients had faced higher out-of-pocket costs and delays in having their heart conditions managed.

“For the past three-and-a-half years, the AMA has been pushing for this ill-conceived decision to be overturned,” Professor Robson said.

“When a GP feels an abnormal pulse, they should be empowered to conduct an urgent ECG, as these tests can easily detect conditions such as atrial fibrillation,” Professor Robson said.

“But without adequate Medicare rebates, these tests become more challenging to do and this leads to an entirely unnecessary delay to managing a patient’s care — all because of a decision made several years ago that still makes no sense to us.

“GPs are trained to interpret ECGs, particularly in an acute setting, but the decision made in 2020 to reduce the rebate to a pittance both undervalued general practice and increased barriers to care for patients.”

AMA Vice President Dr Danielle McMullen also spoke to The Medical Republic on this issue.

Read the submission to the MRAC’s working group on changes to ECG MBS items.

 
 

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