“Cancellation of MRI referrals by GPs for patients 50-and-older from 1 November 2018 is age discriminatory”, said CPSA Policy Manager Paul Versteege.
“CPSA accepts the evidence that currently MRI referrals by GPs for people 50-and-over are often unnecessary. MRI referrals by GPs have increased overall referrals for those 50 and over by one-third, confirming general medical concerns that referrals are made unnecessarily for people over 50 (particularly over 65s) with osteoarthritis.
“However, the MBS Review Taskforce also considered the option of allowing GPs to continue to make MRI referrals for people 50 and over in consultation with a specialist in cases where knee surgery is being considered.
“CPSA calls on the Government to overturn the blanket ban on MRI referrals by GPs for people 50-and-over and allow referrals by GPs in consultation with a specialist where knee surgery is being considered.”
