AN URGENT call has been made by the Royal Australia College of GPs (RACGP) for the restoration of patient Medicare rebates for electrocardiograms (ECGs) interpreted by GPs. ECGs, which record the electrical signals in the heart, are a crucial tool in detecting heart problems and monitoring heart health.
In a recent submission to a review of changes to ECG Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items, the RACGP demanded the reintroduction of revised MBS items without delay.
RACGP Vice President Associate Professor Michael Clements expressed strong opposition to the removal of the subsidy for GP patients. “This decision has restricted certain ECG services to non-GP specialists and consultant physicians, leading to increased costs for patients,” he said.
The removal of the subsidy has resulted in a 33% reduction in ECG services from GPs and other medical professionals. “This may save the government’s bottom line, but it’s risking the health of our community,” Clements warned.
The reinstatement of MBS funding for GPs to provide both tracing and interpretation of ECG results is vital, especially considering coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. “Reinstating patient rebates for their GP to provide ECGs will immediately improve access to care and reduce costs for all Australians,” Clements said.
