2.2M fewer ECGs completed in Australia 2020-22 due to Medicare rule on specialist interpretation, leading to potential heart health issues.

2.2M fewer ECGs were completed between 2020-22 due to the Australian government's Medicare billing rule revision, which restricted ECG interpretation to specialists. RACGP and AMA argue that this funding cut has priced out vulnerable patients, leading to unchecked heart health issues and potential strokes/heart attacks. The Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee is assessing the impact, acknowledging potential inequity in fees between GPs & specialists.

August 10, 2024
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