College calls for compromise on ECG funding cuts

The RACGP has called for a government compromise on cuts to Medicare funding for ECGs, suggesting GPs should have access to an additional item for performing a trace and writing a clinical note on the findings.  

Last August, the Federal Government sparked anger across the specialty after banning GPs from claiming item 11700 for tracing and reporting a 12-lead electrocardiography. 

The move was a recommendation from the Medicare Review Taskforce, which alleged there was evidence of widespread over-servicing because there was “no medical explanation”