Medicare and Billing
Medicare
Changes to Medicare imaging claims
From 1 July 2026, updated Medicare legislative requirements are available for imaging services that are bulk billed.
If your imaging service is billed directly to Medicare, you will be asked to provide consent for an Assignment of Benefits (AoB) prior to your examination. This allows Medicare to pay the benefit directly to your imaging provider on your behalf. A consent form is required for each billed service, and Imaging providers are required to retain a record of this consent.
What this means for your appointment
As per this new legislation, consent will be completed as part of the check‑in process:
- You will be asked to review and sign an AoB form when you arrive
- This is a brief step and part of standard administrative procedures
- Where multiple services are performed, these may be grouped or recorded separately depending on how they are billed
- Your signed form will be securely stored as part of your billing record
Who this applies to
This requirement applies to patients whose imaging services are billed directly to Medicare.
Privately billed services are not affected, unless otherwise advised.
If consent is not provided
Medicare requires consent for bulk billing to occur. If consent is refused, the service will be billed privately, and payment will be required on the day.
Additional information
- A parent or legal guardian can provide consent for a patient under 18
- If a patient is unable to sign, appropriate arrangements will be made in line with relevant legal requirements.
Pricing
Will my scan be covered by Medicare?
Many diagnostic imaging services have a Medicare rebate, however, this still depends on the type of scan and the referral.
Our booking team will tell you about any out-of-pocket costs before your appointment.
You can learn more in relation to Medicare rebates for MRI scans here: Why are some MRIs bulk billed and other not?
With more details if you want to know whether knee and shoulder scans are covered by medicare
How much will my scan cost?
The cost, if any, of your scan will depend on numerous factors:
- The type of scan you’ve been referred for
- Whether contrast or other medication is used as part of the procedure
- The body area being imaged, and
- Whether the referral is eligible for a Medicare rebate
Our booking team will explain any fees or let you know if your scan will be bulk billed when you book your appointment, so there’re no surprises on the day.
Can I claim my x-ray, CT, ultrasound and MRI scans on private health insurance?
Private health funds generally don’t cover outpatient imaging services.
However, some hospital-based imaging or interventional procedures may be eligible if performed as part of a hospital admission.
It’s best to check with your health fund prior to your procedure.