Effects from changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in 2014 on cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography scans across Australia

Abstract

The new MBS implemented on 1st November 2014 resulted in a reduction in the number of rebated CBCT scans, but had no effect on rebated PR scans. Overall, there has been considerable cost savings for Medicare due to the change in MBS. Additionally, the reduction in the number of rebated CBCT scans has resulted in a substantial reduction in the ionising radiation load to the Australian community as a whole, but especially the younger age groups.

Dentomaxillofacial radiology in Australia and dentist satisfaction with radiology reports

“…While Medicare-funded CBCT scans have decreased due to changes in legislation; there is still a high number of panoramic radiographs being taken in external radiology practices, with almost one million scans rebated annually over the past five years. 21 Brown and Monsour in 2014 also hypothesised there would subsequently be an increase in privately owned CBCT machines and inhouse imaging being performed. 22 Currently, there are practicing DMFRs in the states of Queensland, Western Australia, and Victoria.…”

The state of dentomaxillofacial radiology in Australia and dentist satisfaction with radiology reporting

“…While Medicare-funded CBCT scans have decreased due to changes in legislation; there is still a high number of panoramic radiographs being taken in external radiology practices, with almost one million scans rebated annually over the past five years. 56 Brown and Monsour in 2014 also hypothesised there would subsequently be an increase in privately owned CBCT machines and in-house imaging being performed. 57 Currently, there are practicing DMFRs in the states of Queensland, Western Australia, and…”