Important Information About Changes To Medicare Imaging Claims
Important Information About Changes To Medicare Imaging Claims
From 1 July 2026, a new Medicare requirement will apply to imaging services that are billed directly to Medicare.
If your imaging is billed directly to Medicare, you will be asked to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AoB) form before your service is completed. This simply confirms that the benefit for your imaging can be paid directly to your provider on your behalf.
What Is Changing
A signed AoB form will be mandatory for each Medicare-claimed imaging service. These forms were used for bulk billing prior to COVID and are being reintroduced under updated Medicare legislation.
In practical terms:
- You will be asked to sign at check-in, before the service is completed.
- A signed form is required for each billed service.
- Linked services may be grouped on a single form.
- Split services require a separate form for each billed or invoiced service.
- Each signed form is scanned and retained as part of the billing record.
When the Change Starts
The requirement takes effect from 1 July 2026. From this date, an AoB form must be signed before any Medicare-claimed imaging service can be processed for bulk billing.
Who does this change affect? keyboard_arrow_down
The requirement applies to patients whose imaging services are billed directly to Medicare. This includes:
- Bulk billed outpatients
- Hospital emergency patients at private hospitals
- Inpatients
For these patients, a signed Assigned Benefits Form is necessary for bulk billing to proceed.
Who is not affected? keyboard_arrow_down
- Private patients are not affected and do not need to complete the form.
- In some cases, your imaging may not be fully covered by Medicare, which means you pay a small amount of the cost yourself. This is known as a gap payment. If this applies to you, you may still be asked to sign a form before your service.
What you need to do at check-In keyboard_arrow_down
You will be given the AoB form when you arrive for your imaging appointment. You sign it before your service is completed, and the signed form is then scanned and kept securely on file. There is nothing to organise beforehand.
What happens if the form is not signed? keyboard_arrow_down
Where a signed form is not provided, bulk billing cannot proceed. In these cases, you will be privately billed at the applicable rate. There is no exception to this requirement for standard bulk billing scenarios.
How does this affect my appointment? keyboard_arrow_down
The signing step is brief and happens as part of standard check-in. It is unlikely to affect your appointment timing or your overall experience.
A small number of exceptions apply to the signing requirement:
- Minors. A parent or guardian must sign the form on behalf of a patient who is a minor.
- Legal exceptions. Where a patient is unable to provide consent, recognised legal exceptions apply, and alternative arrangements may be made in line with applicable requirements.
Who needs to sign the Assignment of Benefits Form? keyboard_arrow_down
Eligible patients whose imaging services are billed directly to Medicare, including bulk billed outpatients, private hospital emergency patients, and inpatients.
When do I need to sign? keyboard_arrow_down
At check-in, before the imaging service is completed.
What if I decline to sign? keyboard_arrow_down
Bulk billing cannot proceed, and you will be privately billed at the applicable rate.
Are private patients affected? keyboard_arrow_down
No. Private patients are exempt and do not need to complete the form.
Can one form cover multiple services? keyboard_arrow_down
Linked services may be grouped on a single form. Split services require a separate form for each billed service.
Who signs for a minor? keyboard_arrow_down
A parent or guardian signs on the patient's behalf.
Does this change the referral process? keyboard_arrow_down
No. A standard imaging referral is all that is required from the referring practice.