The Morrison Government’s ban on GPs billing Medicare for ECG interpretation is finally being undone after more than five years of campaigning by doctors.

From March, GPs will be allowed to bill MBS item 11714 for a 12-lead ECG, trace and clinical note, which attracts an 85% rebate of $24.05 but has been restricted to specialists and consultant physicians.

December’s federal budget update said the changes would “more appropriately reflect the responsibility and clinical duty of medical practitioners who perform the service”, adding that it would cost taxpayers $24 million over four years.

While the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has not given a full item descriptor, it has confirmed GPs will be allowed to bill the item from 1 March.