Ballarat Health Services wants its MRI scanner Medicare licensed, making vital medical tests less expensive.
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However, BHS says there is no process in place to allow it to even apply.
Currently, outpatients are $240 out of pocket to use the state-of-the-art Philips 3T scanner, though Ballarat Base Hospital covers the cost for inpatients.
BHS operational performance executive director Rowena Clift said there are two Medicare licensed MRI scanners in Ballarat but both are operated by private company Lake Imaging.
Ms Clift said BHS applied for its scanner to be licensed in 2012 but was knocked back on the grounds Ballarat already had the two in operation.
“We’re very ready to put in another submission,” Ms Clift said.
“We’d like to be able to apply for a licence but they (the federal government) haven’t actually held one (an application process) recently.
“We have a really good argument here, with the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre and the demographics of the region.”
Ms Clift said there were several reasons to have the scanner licensed, including the Western Victorian region’s cancer rates.
She said it is also used by local paediatricians to help stop babies and children having to go to Melbourne for treatment.
“For inpatients, there is no cost but outpatients are charged $240 and that’s just recovery costs.
“But this is the absolute gold standard (of equipment) for some cases.”
“We have a full-time neurologist just started with us who deals a lot with MS and the MRI is the test of choice for that.
“We just want to apply for it and look forward to an opportunity to reapply for it.”
The scanner was installed by crane in May, 2014 in its purpose-built facility at the Ballarat Base Hospital.
It is located behind the existing radiology department and next to the emergency department for use by general radiology and emergency patients.
Space for a second MRI machine has also been allocated due to anticipated future demand.
The scanner helps improve the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, improve neurological and spinal work and help with sports injuries.
It also assists in research, including in the dementia field.
The federal government restricts the number of machines licensed to be eligible for Medicare benefits.
Federal Health Minister Susan Ley has been contacted for comment.
