Extensive, Experienced Service
materimaging is dedicated to providing a highly experienced and extensive breast imaging service. As part of this commitment, materimaging is one of only a few Medical Imaging sites in Sydney that perform Breast MRI scans with computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and MR biopsy capability.
About Breast MRI
Whilst mammography and ultrasound continue to be the mainstay of breast imaging, using MRI to scan the breast tissue has been shown to be highly sensitive in the detection of early breast cancer. Breast MRI has been shown to detect breast cancers that may not be apparent on mammography or ultrasound examination, especially in younger women with dense breast tissue.
Breast MRI is a very sensitive, non-invasive procedure that evaluates breast tissue by using a strong magnetic field and radio waves and without the use of radiation. It is usually used in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound.
Claimable Breast MRI
Unfortunately Medicare only provides a rebate to a very small population requiring Breast MRI. If your MRI is rebatable, there will only be a small out of pocket expense.
You are able to submit a claim to Medicare for your Breast MRI if you fall into the following categories:
Women under the age of 50 and
- genetic testing has identified the presence of a high risk breast cancer gene mutation (BRCA gene)
- 3 or more first or second degree relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer;
- 2 or more first or second degree relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, if any of the following applies to at least 1 of the relatives:
or one of the following
- has been diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer
- had onset of breast cancer before the age of 40 years
- had onset of ovarian cancer before the age of 50 years
- has been diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer
- has Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
- is a male relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer
- 1 first or second degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 years or younger, plus another first or second degree relative on the same side of the family with bone or soft tissue sarcoma at age 45 years or younger; or
- 1 first or second degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 years or younger, plus another first or second degree relative on the same side of the family with bone or soft tissue sarcoma at age 45 years or younger; or 1 first or second degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 years or younger, plus another first or second degree relative on the same side of the family with bone or soft tissue sarcoma at age 45 years or younger;
Non claim Breast MRI
Women who do not carry the Breast Cancer gene or do not have a very strong family history (as per the Medicare guidelines) do not qualify for the Medicare rebate. This unfortunately also includes women who require breast MRI examinations for surgical planning and investigation of breast symptoms.
materimaging’s objective is to provide you with access to state of the art services. Unfortunately Medicare regulations prevent us providing a funded service to all patients and due to the highly specialised nature of Breast MRI, there could be a large out of pocket expense for some patients. Our booking staff will discuss the Medicare guidelines and any associated costs with your thoroughly at the time of booking to ensure you are able to make an informed decision.
Booking your MR
Please contact our bookings department on 99554466 to make your MRI booking or alternatively your doctor may do this for you. One of our specialised Breast MRI team will then spend some time with you to discuss your medical history, reasons for having the breast MRI and thoroughly explain the Medicare guidelines to you. This will help us provide you with the best possible care.
