Why would my GP order a 24-hour blood pressure test?

Your GP may order ABPM if your clinic blood pressure is elevated (140/90 or above) but they want to confirm whether this reflects your true blood pressure or white-coat effect. It is also used to diagnose masked hypertension (normal in clinic, elevated at home), to check whether blood pressure medications are working across the full day, and to assess blood pressure patterns — including whether BP drops normally during sleep (dipping). ABPM gives better prediction of cardiovascular risk than single readings.

What are normal ABPM results?

ABPM thresholds differ from clinic readings. Normal ABPM values: daytime average below 135/85 mmHg; night-time average below 120/70 mmHg; 24-hour average below 130/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed if the daytime average is 135/85 or above, or the 24-hour average is 130/80 or above. Your GP will interpret your results in the context of your full clinical picture.

Does Medicare cover a 24-hour blood pressure monitor in Australia?

Yes. Medicare item 11607 covers ABPM in Australia if your clinic blood pressure is 140–180 systolic or 90–110 diastolic and you have not yet started blood pressure medication. The Medicare fee is $123.20 and Medicare pays 75% of this ($92.40). Some providers bulk bill; others charge a gap. The service is limited to once per 12 months. A treatment plan must be provided.

What Is a 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor? ABPM Explained

📋 Sources: MBS Online item 11607 (July 2026). ABPM thresholds: Heart Foundation Australia; European Society of Hypertension/Cardiology Guidelines 2023. NICE NG136 (UK). Hypertension Canada 2020 Guidelines. Device/fitting details: Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and Australian Clinical Labs patient instructions. Always verify current Medicare fees at mbsonline.gov.au.

What is it?

A 24-hour blood pressure monitor is a small device clipped to your belt or waistband, connected to a cuff on your upper arm. It automatically inflates and takes a reading every 20–30 minutes during the day, and roughly every 30–60 minutes overnight while you sleep — while you work and go about your normal activities too.

By the end of the 24 hours you'll have 40–80 readings, giving a far more complete picture of your blood pressure than a single clinic reading can provide.

Why does my GP want this test?

The most common reasons:

White-coat hypertension — your BP is raised at the clinic but may be normal at home. Many people's BP rises with the anxiety of a doctor's appointment. ABPM confirms whether your BP is truly elevated or just a clinic effect.
Masked hypertension — the opposite: BP appears normal at the clinic but is elevated at home or at work. More common in people with diabetes or kidney disease.
Confirming a diagnosis — before starting blood pressure medication, your GP may want to confirm hypertension with objective out-of-clinic readings.
Checking medication — to see whether your BP medication is working across the full 24-hour period, including overnight.

What do the results mean?

ABPM thresholds are lower than clinic thresholds — this is normal.

24-hour average

<130/80

Normal

Daytime average

<135/85

Normal

Night-time average

<120/70

Normal

Your GP will also look at whether your BP dips during sleep — a normal "dipping" pattern (10–20% drop overnight) is a good sign. Non-dipping or reverse-dipping patterns may indicate higher cardiovascular risk.

These thresholds are based on international guidelines (ESH/ESC, Heart Foundation Australia). Your GP interprets your results in full clinical context — the numbers alone don't determine treatment.

What to expect on the day

A nurse or technician fits the cuff and device, and explains how it works — takes about 10–20 minutes
Go about your normal day. Keep your arm still and relaxed when you feel the cuff inflate
Sleep with the device on — the overnight readings are important
Keep a diary of activities, medication times, sleep, and any symptoms if asked
No showers, baths, or swimming — shower before your fitting appointment, as you can't get the device wet until it's removed
Return the device after 24–25 hours. Results are usually discussed at a follow-up appointment

Cost and Medicare — by country

🇦🇺 Australia — MBS item 11607

Medicare fee: $123.20. Medicare pays 75% ($92.40). Eligible if: clinic BP is 140–180 systolic OR 90–110 diastolic, and you have not started blood pressure medication. Limit: once per 12 months. A written treatment plan must be provided. Some providers bulk bill (no gap); others charge a gap of $30–$80. Verify current fee at mbsonline.gov.au.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — NHS

ABPM is the recommended method for confirming hypertension under NICE guidelines (NG136). Provided free on NHS when BP is raised on two clinic readings. Usually arranged by your GP practice or a community pharmacy. No cost to the patient.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

ABPM is available through GP referral. Subsidised through DHB/Health NZ for eligible patients. Some patients may have a co-payment depending on practice and PHO arrangement. Ask your GP whether your practice has a monitor available or whether referral to a community service is needed.

🇨🇦 Canada

ABPM is recommended by Hypertension Canada guidelines for confirming hypertension. Coverage varies by province — generally covered as a referred service under provincial insurance when ordered by a physician. Some provinces have community ABPM programs. Check with your provincial health authority.

Frequently asked questions

Is ABPM better than home blood pressure monitoring?

For diagnosing hypertension, ABPM is considered the gold standard. Home BP monitoring (HBPM) is a good alternative — measuring twice daily for 7 days — but ABPM captures readings during activities and sleep that home monitoring misses. Your GP will advise which is appropriate.

Can I exercise with the monitor on?

Light to moderate activity is fine. Vigorous exercise can cause discomfort when the cuff inflates and may give inaccurate readings — your GP or technician will advise you.

What if I feel anxious or my readings seem very high?

Individual readings during exertion, stress, or activity will naturally be higher. The important values are the averages across the full 24 hours. If you feel unwell at any point, contact your GP or remove the device and call for advice.