News
GPs’ ECG rebate restrictions reversed
From 1 March, ECG restrictions will be lifted, allowing MBS item 11714 to be claimed by GPs, reversing a controversial 2020 funding cut.
More than 2.2 million ECGs were not delivered by GPs between 2020–22, specifically due to funding cuts.
GPs will be able to claim an electrocardiogram (ECG) trace and clinical note under the MBS from March, reversing a five-year-old decision to cut funding for GPs to deliver this service.
‘From 1 March 2026, ECG item 11714 will be claimable for a service provided by a GP,’ the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing told newsGP.
‘This will be in addition to specialists and consultant physicians who are already able to provide a service under item 11714.’
The Federal Government will spend $24 million to amend the descriptions ‘to more appropriately reflect the responsibility and clinical duty of medical practitioners who perform the service’.
‘This includes expanding access to the higher rebate for ECGs,’ it announced in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) late last year.
It follows a 2020 decision dictating that patient rebates would no longer be provided for GPs to deliver certain ECG services.
This was met with significant and widespread backlash from GPs, labelling it ‘just insulting’, ‘ridiculous’, and reflecting a ‘total lack of understanding’ of the role of GPs.
According to a 2024 RACGP analysis, more than 2.2 million ECGs were not delivered by GPs between 2020–22, specifically due to the funding cuts.
The reversal has been welcomed by RACGP President Dr Michael Wright, who said the 2020 funding cut ‘made no sense’.
‘Why should patients have to book an appointment with another specialist, often with a significant gap fee, to perform a check that’s part of a GP’s normal practice?,’ he said.
‘There were 2.2 million fewer opportunities for GPs to catch heart health issues early because of a Medicare rule change that meant we as GPs could request another specialist to perform an ECG, but were not funded to perform it.
‘This is a win for our patients’ access to equitable care, and recognition of GPs’ role as specialists in preventive care.’
In a 2024 newsGP poll, 84% of respondents said the reintroduction of MBS items for GPs to trace and report on ECGs would benefit patients.
The rebate change follows extensive advocacy by the RACGP and other health organisations, and a 2022 recommendation by the Electrocardiogram Review Committee.
The MYEFO investments also include $14.5 million for an extra 306 places in the fully Commonwealth-funded Australian GP Training Program.
Dr Wright said this will mean more GPs training where they are needed.
‘A record number of doctors took up Commonwealth-funded specialist GP training in 2025, with all places filled for the first time in years,’ he said.
‘Funding general practice gets results, and the decision to increase funding for GP training places beyond what was in this year’s Federal Budget shows the Government knows we can deliver.’
Also included in the MYEFO is:
- $219.8 million to establish 1800MEDICARE
- $9.3 million to introduce patient-end support MBS items for eligible Medicare providers who are providing in-person support to a MyMedicare registered patient during a GP video consultation
- $23.3 million to extend the MBS Continuous Review program to ensure the MBS remains clinically appropriate
The Federal Government said more detail on the incoming ECG changes will be provided ahead of 1 March.
Log in below to join the conversation.
ECG electrocardiogram MBS Medicare Benefits Schedule
newsGP weekly poll
How supportive are you of private health insurers funding additional general practice services that are not currently covered by Medicare?