Fed: MRI scan scam report to be released today

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-1999
Fed: MRI scan scam report to be released today

The long awaited report into the MRI scan scam will be released by the Health Insurance
Commission today.

Opposition health spokeswoman JENNY MACKLIN says as many as 52 radiologists could be
charged for using inside information to take advantage of a Medicare rebate on the magnetic
resonance imaging machines announced in the 1998 budget.

Under investigation is whether radiologists obtained inside information about the proposed
rebate for the $3 million machines, or back-dated contracts to be eligible for the budget
night cut-off date.

The rebate was only available on MRI scanners in service or on order on budget night,
May 12, 1998.

The HIC investigation is not the end of the scan scam, with the Auditor-General's report
still to be released.

The report will examine, among other things, the Minister's role in the scam and whether
or not information was leaked from his office.

AAP RTV eg/rcg/smf

KEYWORD: MRI (CANBERRA)

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