Allow GPs to refer for Medicare-funded CT colonography, say radiologists
Patients are waiting up to 180 days for a colonoscopy
10th July 2018
By Kemal Atlay
Radiologists are calling for a revamp to allow GPs to refer patients for CT colonography (CTC) under Medicare in order to cut colonoscopy waiting lists.
Last year, around 90% of patients with a positive FOBT via the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program waited between 116 and 181 days for a colonoscopy despite a recommended maximum wait time of 120 days.
Dr Lance Lawler, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, said: “Under the current Medicare arrangements, patients can only access CTC if they are referred by a