Medicare Covers Longer Consultations for Women Suffering Endometriosis

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For the first time women experiencing symptoms of chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis and PCOS will have access to longer specialist consultations, of 45 minutes or more, covered under Medicare.

From 1 July 2025, two new items will be added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) enabling extended consultation times and increased rebates for specialist gynaecological care.

Locally in Cairns, True Relationships and Reproductive Health have been at the forefront of advocating for better health outcomes. True developed an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic pathway following receipt of the federal government funding, led by Dr Samantha Olliver.

"True's Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic sees hundreds of patients frustrated by not being heard in a health setting. Long appointments have always been central to our model of care. We believe that longer appointments are essential to truly understanding and addressing the complex needs of individuals with endometriosis and pelvic pain. " says Dr Samantha Olliver, True clinic, Cairns.

The $49.1 million investment will provide approximately 430,000 more services to help women across the country with complex gynaecological conditions to receive consultations of 45 minutes or longer.

"True welcomes further funding from the federal government to support those affected by these conditions and we hope to see some of this funding issued regionally here in Cairns." says Dr Samatha.

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About True Relationships and Reproductive Health For over fifty years, True Health (formerly Family Planning Queensland) has worked across Queensland to protect reproductive rights and advance sexual healthcare in every region, and in every community. True achieves this through the delivery of expert clinical services, education, and counselling.