Forum Discussion
Bone Density Medicare rebate...... or lack thereof
I haven't logged in here for a while.
I've just had a bone density scan today, in preparation for review with my medical oncologist soon. Just a review, as, like many others I'm on an aromitase inhibitor. My particular poison is exemestane.
As many of you will know, in spite of the knowledge that these medications are known to cause a reduction in bone density, there is no medicare rebate for us, unless we have another risk factor for osteoporosis which does make us elligible for a rebate.
WhencI was looking for osteopaenia and osteoporosis information recently (a whole other issue why I was even doing that) I came across the attached document.
Imagine my surprise then, to note that there IS a medicare rebate available for dexa scans for men being treated with androgen deprivation therapy (similar to our own hormone suppression of o oestrogen) for prostate cancer.
Was anyone else aware of this? Are you like me in being quite incredulous?
I've just had a bone density scan today, in preparation for review with my medical oncologist soon. Just a review, as, like many others I'm on an aromitase inhibitor. My particular poison is exemestane.
As many of you will know, in spite of the knowledge that these medications are known to cause a reduction in bone density, there is no medicare rebate for us, unless we have another risk factor for osteoporosis which does make us elligible for a rebate.
WhencI was looking for osteopaenia and osteoporosis information recently (a whole other issue why I was even doing that) I came across the attached document.
Imagine my surprise then, to note that there IS a medicare rebate available for dexa scans for men being treated with androgen deprivation therapy (similar to our own hormone suppression of o oestrogen) for prostate cancer.
Was anyone else aware of this? Are you like me in being quite incredulous?
20 Replies
- @lrb_03 In a country with such a small population I find the inconsistencies frustrating and annoying.
- @kmakm for all that health is federally funded, the money is given to the states to manage, hence the differences from state to statein what happens in the public hospital system
- @lrb_03 So strange. I don't get our medical system. There seem to be so many anomolies.
- Having it done at my hospital (public) has never been offered, @kmakm
- The inequities are absurd.
I had my bone density scan in a public hospital and was not charged for it. - Good to know for the future thank you! Ridiculous that having breast cancer or being low weight disqualifies for funding!!!
- They're about $100
- How much are the bone density scans on average?
- Just goes to show our little toes can sometimes serve a purpose!!
- Hi all, I broke my little toe on my left foot in my late 30s. Years later when sent for bone density scan I asked if it was bulk billed. Was told no but wait have you ever had a broken bone? I remembered the toe and you guessed it yes I received a rebate nothing to pay. Not sure if the question is on the form, the operator asked. So greatfull she did.
