ECG Rebates for GPs Back From March 2026
13 Jan 2026
The 2020 decision had stopped rebates for GPs performing certain ECGs, leading to 2.2 million fewer tests between 2020–22 and limiting early detection of heart conditions.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the change:
“Patients can now access heart checks directly from their GP without extra specialist fees — a win for preventive care.”
The Federal Government will spend $24 million updating the item description to reflect the clinical duties of GPs and expand access to the higher rebate.
The reversal follows advocacy by the RACGP, recommendations from the Electrocardiogram Review Committee, and widespread support: a 2024 newsGP poll showed 84% of respondents believed restoring rebates would benefit patients.
MYEFO 2025 also announced broader GP investments:
- 306 new GP training places ($14.5 million)
- 1800MEDICARE ($219.8 million)
- MBS support for patient-end assistance during GP video consultations ($9.3 million)
- Expansion of the MBS Continuous Review Program ($23.3 million)
Further details on the ECG rebate changes will be released ahead of 1 March 2026.
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing / RACGP / newsGP