Wednesday, 26 March 2025
2025-26 Budget: Positive outcomes for sonographers
The ASA is pleased to share several positive developments announced in the 2025–26 Commonwealth Budget that are relevant to sonographers and reflect the outcomes of our ongoing advocacy efforts. More information about the Budget is here.
Key changes include:
New ultrasound MBS item for severe endometriosis
From 1 November 2025, a dedicated MBS item with a higher fee will be introduced to support the diagnosis and care of women with severe endometriosis. This is a significant outcome and reflects ASA’s recommendations in our Commonwealth Pre-Budget Submission and submission to the South Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into Endometriosis.
Extension of the 7-day rule to 14 days
From 1 July 2026, the timeframe for providing diagnostic imaging services on a single request will be extended from 7 to 14 days. This change offers greater flexibility for practitioners and improves continuity of care for patients.
Removal of co-claiming restrictions in breast imaging
From 1 July 2026, co-claiming restrictions will be removed between commonly used breast imaging items, including:
- Breast ultrasound items (55066, 55070, 55071, 55073, 55076, 55079)
- Breast MRI item (63464)
- Chest wall ultrasound item (55812)
This change will support same-day diagnostic workups, reduce the need for multiple appointments, and help lower costs and inconvenience for patients.
Removal of the Multiple Services Rule for specific breast imaging items
From 1 July 2026, the Multiple Services Rule will no longer apply when specific breast imaging items are co-claimed (items 55066–55079, 59300–59318, and 63464). This recognises the time and expertise involved in comprehensive imaging and is expected to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.
These outcomes are a strong step forward for both patients and the sonography profession and demonstrate the value of sustained, evidence-based advocacy by the ASA including to the Review of Medicare Funded Diagnostic Breast Imaging Services and the Review of Select Medicare Funded Diagnostic Imaging Ultrasound Services.
Further details on these MBS changes will be released later this year, and we will continue to keep members updated. We also remain committed to advocating for dedicated funding to upskill Australian practitioners in endometriosis-specific ultrasound.
While the ASA welcomes significant investment in Medicare and initiatives to grow the GP and nursing workforce, we are concerned by the lack of focus on allied health, particularly in addressing the severe sonographer workforce shortage across Australia.
We will continue to advocate for our key pre-Budget priorities, including:
- Extension of the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme to include student sonographers
- Inclusion of all sonographers under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme via the existing Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia.
In the interim, we will continue to work with government and stakeholders to strengthen consistent professional standards for all sonographers across the sonography profession.
If you have any questions about this or any other policy and advocacy matters, please contact our Policy and Advocacy team at policy@sonographers.org.