The Royal College of Australian and New Zealand Radiologists (RANZCR) has welcomed the federal government approving a new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for radiation oncology.
The new radiation oncology MBS was announced as part of the federal government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) and comes after years of advocacy work by RANZCR.
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The government will invest $3.3m over three years to restructure the radiation oncology MBS to align with best practices, with fees weighted to reflect service complexity.
RANZCR President Clin A/Professor Sanjay Jeganathan said: “It is fantastic that this year’s MYEFO has delivered a new MBS for radiation oncology.
“This news comes after years of advocacy work by RANZCR for a new radiation oncology MBS to incorporate technological advances and contemporary standards of practice.
“Patients receiving radiotherapy treatment will benefit by improved access to radiation oncology services and reduced healthcare costs.
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“We look forward to working with our radiation oncologist members to ensure a smooth implementation of the new schedule.”
Further details about the new MBS are expected in the new year, including how sites delivering radiation oncology services can prepare for the latest schedule.