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Are knee and shoulder scans covered by Medicare?

Radiographer using ultrasound probe to do a knee scan at Sunshine Coast Radiology

If you’ve been referred for knee or shoulder scans you may find that only some are covered by Medicare. We understand that you may feel confused or frustrated if faced with unexpected out-of-pocket costs, especially when you’re already dealing with pain or limited movement and just want answers.

Why are some MRIs Bulk Billed and Others Not?

MRI technician caring for a patient as they go into an MRI scan

If you’ve ever wondered why some MRI scans are bulk billed while others aren’t, you’re not alone. Many Australians find this confusing, especially when one person’s scan is completely covered by Medicare but someone else must pay something out of pocket. The answer lies in how the Australian Government funds MRI services through Medicare, and it all comes down to eligibility, regulation and fairness in service access.