The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a set of diagnostic imaging updates scheduled for 1 November 2025. The official factsheet (last updated 8 October 2025) is available here: MBS Online: November 2025 Diagnostic Imaging MBS item changes (PDF).
Key Summary
- PET: Red-tape reduction and updated site definition; oncology co-location removed.
- X-ray: Clearer wording for common wrist/forearm series (57512/57515).
- Ultrasound & referrals: Sexual health physicians (55282/55284); midwife requests (55065) clarified.
- Nuclear medicine: New subgroup and tighter claiming limited to trained specialists.
PET & Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine: Modernisation with Safety
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Definition update: The PET site concept shifts from “comprehensive facility” to “comprehensive practice”, which must provide X-ray, ultrasound and CT.
- Less red tape: No statutory declaration is required for PET providers.
- Co-location removed: PET no longer needs to be co-located with oncology services, recognising PET’s broader diagnostic role.
- Continuity of safeguards: All other PET eligibility conditions continue to apply.
Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine (GMST Group T3)
- Provider claiming restrictions: Limited to specialists/consultant physicians with nuclear medicine training to support safe administration and appropriate claiming.
- Administrative restructure: New Subgroup 1 – Administration of Nuclear Medicine encompasses items 16003, 16006, 16009, 16012, 16015, 16018, aligning the schedule with the theranostics rollout from 1 July 2025.
Together, these steps streamline PET compliance requirements while reinforcing governance in therapeutic nuclear medicine workflows.
Everyday Modalities & Referrals: X-ray, Ultrasound, Requesting Rights
X-ray descriptor clarity
Items 57512 and 57515 now explicitly include wrist and forearm combinations (with or without the hand). This clarifies common extremity series and should help reduce descriptor-related billing errors.
Ultrasound scope expansion
Sexual health physicians may provide/supervise 55282 and 55284 (penile vascular duplex). The factsheet reiterates attendance and reporting expectations, supporting access and consistency in documentation.
Requesting rights adjustments
- Midwives: Participating midwives may request 55065 (pelvic ultrasound) when it forms part of the MS-2 Step medical abortion pathway.
- Podiatrists: Items 55889/55891/55893/55895 are removed from the list of items that podiatrists can request. These are NR-type and therefore not requestable.
These adjustments fine-tune item access and reduce ambiguity for referrers and providers.
Summary & Conclusion
The November 2025 update lands in two clear parts. First, PET and therapeutic nuclear medicine: the shift to a “comprehensive practice” (X-ray, ultrasound and CT available) trims paperwork and removes mandatory oncology co-location, while nuclear medicine claiming tightens to trained specialists and gains a new administrative Subgroup 1 (items 16003–16018). Second, everyday modalities and referrals: X-ray wording for 57512/57515 is clearer for wrist/forearm series; sexual health physicians can provide/supervise 55282/55284; midwives may request 55065 in the MS-2 Step pathway; and podiatrists can no longer request NR-type items 55889/55891/55893/55895.
For imaging leaders, the practical takeaway is preparation: check PET eligibility against the new definition; update RIS/CIMS phrasing for X-ray; credential sexual health physicians for relevant ultrasound items; refresh referrer guidance; and map nuclear medicine workflows to the new subgroup with appropriate provider restrictions. Being ready ahead of 1 November 2025 will keep operations smooth and compliant.
Disclaimer: This blog is a general overview and should not be construed as professional legal, financial or medical advice.
FAQs
- When do the changes start?
The changes are scheduled to commence on 1 November 2025, subject to the passage of legislation (per the MBS factsheet last updated 8 October 2025).
- Does PET still require an oncology co-location?
No. Co-location with oncology services is no longer required. PET sites must meet the updated “comprehensive practice” definition (X-ray, ultrasound and CT available).
- Who can claim therapeutic nuclear medicine items?
Claiming is restricted to specialists or consultant physicians with nuclear medicine training. A new Subgroup 1 – Administration of Nuclear Medicine (items 16003–16018) has been created.
- What immediate systems updates should services make?
Validate PET eligibility under the comprehensive practice definition; update RIS/CIMS text for X-ray items 57512/57515; credential sexual health physicians for 55282/55284; refresh referrer guidance (midwives 55065; podiatrists NR-type items removed); and map nuclear medicine workflows to Subgroup 1.
