There’s good news for healthcare in the 23/24 budget with the Government pledging $137.2 million over five years from 2022-23 to ensure more effective healthcare.
Of this, $125.6 million will be allocated over the five-year period to improve access to primary health care services and improve clinical practice through amendments to the MBS.
Included in this figure, $18.5 million is allocated to genetic testing for myeloid or lymphoid haematological malignancy.
Additionally, $16.8 million will fund a new MBS item for breast cancer genetic testing and $13.1 million for genetic testing for hearing loss in children.
$301.9 million over three years from 2024-5 is allocated to modernizing Chronic Disease Management planning items.
$151.7 million will reform the MBS time-tiered attendance at General Practitioners (GPs) with a minimum consultation time and a new MBS item for longer consultations.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension testing is allocated funding as is the amending of selective MBS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery items.