Many medical imaging procedures are partially covered by a Medicare rebate, meaning the rebate from Medicare is often less than the actual cost of providing the service. For this reason there is usually a “gap” payment charged to the patient. The gap payment is the difference between the fee for our services and the Medicare rebate.  The size of the gap payment varies depending on the type and number of examinations, and the complexity.

Additionally, for some examinations, there may not be a Medicare rebate at all. Pensioners and healthcare card holders are bulk billed for most Medicare rebateable examinations; however, there are a small number of examinations, including most interventional procedures, where an out-of-pocket expense will be incurred.