Can a GP request an MRI on Medicare?

Under the MBS, MRI services can generally only be requested by a recognised specialist or consultant physician. The exception is a defined set of items (Group I5, Subgroups 33 and 34) that may be requested by a medical practitioner other than a specialist or consultant physician - that is, a GP. They are split by patient age: under 16 years and 16 years and over. The written request must identify the clinical indication.

Which MRI scans can a GP refer for in patients 16 and over?

For patients 16 and over, the GP-requestable MRI items are: scan of head for unexplained seizure(s) or unexplained chronic headache with suspected intracranial pathology (item 63551); scan of spine for suspected cervical radiculopathy (63554); scan of spine for suspected cervical spinal trauma (63557); and scan of knee after acute knee trauma in patients aged 16 to 49 with inability to extend the knee or clinical findings suggesting an acute ACL tear (63560).

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GP-Referable MRI

📋 Source: MBS Book July 2026 — Category 5 (Diagnostic Imaging), Group I5 (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Subgroups 33 & 34, and explanatory note IN.0.18. Item numbers and schedule fees are current as at July 2026 and subject to change — always verify at mbsonline.gov.au. This is a billing reference, not clinical or billing advice; your clinical judgement and MBS compliance obligations apply.

Pick the patient age and clinical indication to find the Medicare item a GP can request.

Under the MBS, MRI is generally requested only by a specialist or consultant physician. A defined set of items is the exception — requestable by a medical practitioner who is not a specialist or consultant physician (a GP), split by patient age. Select an indication below; anything outside this list needs a specialist request.

Find the item by indication

Before you request

The request must be in writing and identify the clinical indication.
Several items require a plain radiograph (X-ray) first — flagged on the result.
A Medicare rebate applies only when performed on eligible (licensed) MRI equipment — confirm with the radiology practice before booking.
These items can only be requested by a non-specialist medical practitioner. Any MRI outside this list needs a specialist or consultant physician request.

Full item reference

Item	Scan & eligible indication	Age	Fee	Rebate (85%)
63507	Head — unexplained seizure; OR unexplained headache if significant pathology suspected; OR paranasal sinus pathology not responding to conservative therapy	<16	$463.80	$394.25
63510	Spine (after X-ray) — significant trauma; OR unexplained neck/back pain with neurological signs; OR unexplained back pain if significant pathology suspected	<16	$515.30	$438.05
63513	Knee — internal joint derangement	<16	$463.80	$394.25
63516	Hip (after X-ray) — suspected septic arthritis, SCFE, or Perthes disease	<16	$463.80	$394.25
63519	Elbow (after X-ray) — suspected significant fracture/avulsion that would change management	<16	$463.80	$394.25
63522	Wrist (after X-ray) — suspected scaphoid fracture	<16	$515.30	$438.05
63551	Head — unexplained seizure(s); OR unexplained chronic headache with suspected intracranial pathology	16+	$463.80	$394.25
63554	Spine — suspected cervical radiculopathy	16+	$412.25	$350.45
63557	Spine — suspected cervical spinal trauma	16+	$566.90	$481.90
63560	Knee after acute trauma — inability to extend (?meniscal tear) OR signs of acute ACL tear	16–49	$463.80	$394.25