How does MRI bulk billing work?
In Australia, the government helps to cover cost of diagnostic medical imaging through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), by offering rebates for eligible scans. However, MRI is regulated differently to other types of scans and therefore not all MRI scans offer a Medicare rebate.
With consideration to the government’s health budget and the number of MRI machines operating in the country, MRI rebates are regulated by holding a ‘licence’ in order to offer a Medicare rebate. This government regulation means there are a limited number of machines throughout Australia that hold a ‘Medicare-license’ to ensure healthcare costs are managed and that services are distributed fairly across the country for patients.
As a radiology provider of MRI services, the government allows for each MRI machine to be either:
When do Medicare rebates for MRI apply?
Only specific MRI scans listed on the MBS are eligible for a Medicare rebate. Even if a scan is performed on a fully licensed MRI machine, Medicare rebates only apply when specific MBS criteria is met. The criteria outline the medical reasons or conditions for which Medicare will offer funding for the scan.
For example, some MRI rebates apply only to certain age groups or when there is clinical evidence. The idea behind this is to ensure that scans are referred appropriately, helping patients who will benefit most while maintaining sustainable healthcare spending.
If a patient requiring an MRI scan falls outside the MBS criteria, it can still be performed, but it will not be able to be bulk billed. Thus, a fee will apply (even if the MRI machine is fully licensed). This is referred to as a ‘non-rebated MRI’.
Does bulk billing depend on practitioner speciality?
A referral is required by a registered medical practitioner to obtain an MRI scan.
Whilst the MRI scan must meet eligibility for a rebate to be offered and performed on a machine with a licence, Medicare also has boundaries around the practitioner referring the MRI.
Some MRI scans are only eligible for a rebate when referred by a specialist, while other types of scans are eligible for rebates with a GP referral (so long as MBS criteria is met). MRI can be referred by a Physiotherapist or Osteopath, however the scan won’t qualify under Medicare, and the patient will bear the full cost of the ‘non-rebated MRI’.
This is why practitioners need to ask patients detailed questions about symptoms and medical history before providing a referral. They have a Duty of Care to ensure the scan qualifies according to Medicare and follow the government regulations to protect their own medical indemnity.
Government regulations on MRI equipment
All diagnostic imaging, including MRI, is regulated to ensure patient safety and a high-quality standard of care is met. The government assigns a ‘lifespan’ to radiology equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose and not used beyond its working lifespan.
Once an MRI machine reaches its ‘end of life’ time limit, any images taken on these machines cannot be bulk billed. This ensures radiology providers regularly replace or upgrade their equipment so that patients get the best quality imaging.
MRI machines cost radiology providers millions of dollars to purchase and run continuously. While upgrades also represent a significant investment for providers, they are part of our commitment to delivering world-class imaging to all patients.
The key takeaways on MRI
Bulk billed MRI depends on:
- whether the MRI machine has a Medicare-license (partial or full) and not past it’s lifespan
- the referral request form must be from an eligible practitioner whereby the reason for the scan meets MBS criteria
- the radiology provider’s ability to absorb the gap fee between Medicare rebates and the actual service cost
Understanding these factors helps explain why fees for MRI scans vary between patients and MRI providers.
How can we help?
Bulk Billing or Medicare rebates depend on MBS eligibility and criteria, however we offer MRI services at the following locations:
Albury – The Gardens, 470 Wodonga Pl, Albury NSW 2640 *
Wodonga, 9 Stanley St, Wodonga, VIC 3690
Wangaratta * (opening 2026)
(* denotes licenced MRI machines)
Our radiologists and staff will work closely with practitioners to ensure patients receive the right type of scan according to individual needs.
Our friendly administration team can answer any questions on eligibility criteria, as well as provide an estimated cost before booking an appointment. We accept all referrals, regardless of the template they’re printed on.
Always speak with a practitioner about symptoms or concerns so they can advise whether an MRI scan is appropriate. Our team are ready to provide quality imaging and compassion every step of the way
