Rebates now available for vital breast cancer imaging

1 November 2019

In a boost for patients with breast cancer, new Medicare item numbers are now available for vital MRI and PET imaging of the breast.

The establishment of the new Medicare rebates means that scans to more accurately diagnose and support the treatment of breast cancer, will be more affordable and accessible to patients.

MRI

The new MRI rebates are for:

• MRI of both breasts where the patient has a breast lesion, the results of conventional imaging examinations are inconclusive for the presence of breast cancer, and biopsy has not been possible
• MRI of both breasts where the patient has been diagnosed with breast cancer, discrepancy exists between clinical assessment and conventional imaging assessment, and the results of breast MRI may alter treatment planning

Rebateable breast MRI is available at our City West and Morphett Vale clinics. Non-rebateable scans can be done at our North Adelaide clinic. 

PET

PET imaging of the breast is also becoming an increasingly useful tool in both the detection of breast cancer and the staging of known malignancy.

The new PET rebates are for:

• Whole body 18F-FDG PET study where the patient is referred by a specialist or consultant physician, performed for the staging of locally advanced (Stage III) breast cancer in a patient considered potentially suitable for active therapy
• Whole body 18F-FDG PET study, where the patient is referred by a specialist or consultant physician, performed for the evaluation of suspected metastatic or suspected locally or regionally recurrent breast carcinoma in a patient considered suitable for active therapy

PET scans are performed at our City West clinic which is located at 18 North Terrace (opposite the Royal Adelaide Hospital). Free parking is available for patients in the adjoining multistorey car park directly behind our building on level 3.