New Medicare-Funded BRCA Testing – Use With Caution

Dr Linda Calabresi

writer

Dr Linda Calabresi

GP; Medical Editor, Healthed

Dr Linda Calabresi

GPs may have to correct some patients’ misunderstanding following reports in the general media suggesting that testing for high risk cancer genes was now available to everyone free of charge.

Writing in the latest issue of the MJA, Australian genetics experts say that testing for specific high- risk genetic mutations, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2 has been available to appropriate patients free of charge (but not Medicare-rebated) by genetic specialists in public clinics for over 20 years.

What’s new is that these tests now attract a Medicare rebate and you don’t have to be a genetic specialist to order them, but they are still only available to selected patients.

Icon 2

NEXT LIVE Webcast

:
Days
:
Hours
:
Minutes
Seconds
Dr Kate Walsh

Dr Kate Walsh

Endometriosis Cases – Practical Guide

Prof Finlay Macrae AO

Prof Finlay Macrae AO

Familial Colorectal Cancer

Prof Richard Harvey

Prof Richard Harvey

Recurrent Nasal Polyps Management – When to Refer

Prof Terence O'Brien

Prof Terence O'Brien

SUDEP – What is it and How to Reduce the Risk

Join us for the next free webcast for GPs and healthcare professionals

High quality lectures delivered by leading independent experts

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

We invite you to join the upcoming Healthed webcast where we will focus on working through the popular management myths and misperceptions in general practice with the aim of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Tuesday 19th August, 7pm AEST