Stress Echo Indications

Please be aware that there have been recent changes relating to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) on Cardiac Imaging Services. A standard ECHO and STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY can now only be claimed once in a 24-month period except for limited specific exemptions as documented by Medicare.

If you have requested a stress echo, please ensure you include the appropriate indication listed below in your referral for your patient to be eligible for Medicare rebate. Please send through the referral prior to booking via fax or email to ECS.

Please note that bulk-billing services are available for adults aged 17 years & older. For patients who are under 17 years old, please mention/make a note when booking in the appointment. Or alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact our practice on 9898 3366 for further information . 

MEDICARE APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR EXERCISE STRESS ECHO

A – Symptoms of typical or atypical angina

• A1 Constricting discomfort in the chest, neck, shoulders, jaw or arms

• A2 Exertional symptoms

• A3 Symptoms are relieved by rest or GTN

B – Known coronary artery disease with one or more symptoms suggestive of ischaemia

• B1 Not controlled with medical therapy

• B2 Have evolved since the last functional study

C

• C1 PHx congenital heart surgery ?ischaemia

• C2 Abnormal resting ECG suggestive of ischaemia

• C3 Indeterminate lesion on CTCA

• C4 Potential non-coronary artery disease as assessed by a specialist

• C5 Shortness of breath on exertion (SOBOE) of uncertain aetiology

• C6 Pre-operative with poor exercise capacity and PHx of IHD, CVA, CCF, DM on insulin, or serum Cr >170

• C7 Assessment of valvular disease or ischaemic threshold during exercise prior to intervention

• C8 Suspected ischaemia in patient with impaired cognition or expressive language skills

Other indications not listed above will not be covered by Medicare and will incur a private fee

For further indication details please refer to MBS online.