Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Complex gynaecological ultrasound – clarifications and uptake
MBS item 55080 has now been available in Australia for several months, providing a dedicated Medicare funding pathway for complex gynaecological ultrasound examinations.
Early utilisation data shows that over the 8 months from 1 November 2025 when the item was introduced to June 2026, over 42,562 Medicare services have been provided across Australia. This indicates demand for the service and growing recognition of the time and complexity involved in these examinations.
Here are some answers to common questions from members, incorporating advice from the Department of Health and Ageing.
Who can perform this examination?
It is recommended that the service be performed by a qualified practitioner with expertise in advanced pelvic ultrasound techniques to ensure comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis. However, there is currently no specific training or credentialling required.
Who can claim the item?
This item can be claimed by a specialist in diagnostic radiology or a consultant physician in the practice of their specialty who is available to monitor and influence the conduct and diagnostic quality of the examination and attend the patient if necessary.
What is considered a complex gynaecological condition?
The explanatory note states that item 55080 covers:
“the use of ultrasound scans for the assessment, management or planning, of a patient suspected of or diagnosed with a complex gynaecological condition which includes, but is not limited to, a range of complex gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, and pelvic floor dysfunction.”
The Department has clarified that the list of complex gynaecological conditions is not exhaustive. If the requesting practitioner considers that a patient has what could reasonably be considered a complex gynaecological condition that needs a thorough examination as set out in the item description, then that would meet the definition. Ultimately, members of the profession are best placed to determine the needs of the patient and the investigations required.
What does 30 minutes scanning time mean?
The item descriptor specifies that the service is considered a complex investigation requiring a minimum of 30 minutes scanning time.
This refers to minimum scanning time, not minimum appointment duration. That means the sonographer must be scanning for at least 30 minutes, separate from setup, patient discussion, reporting and room turnaround. This distinction is important when considering appointment scheduling and ensuring the service meets the MBS item descriptor.
If a clinic only allocates a 30-minute appointment, this may not allow enough time to meet the minimum 30 minutes scanning requirement, as preparation and reporting would likely reduce actual scanning time below the threshold.
The purpose of this minimum scanning time is expanded in explanatory note IN.1.11 including:
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The service is classified as a complex investigation due to the detailed imaging and thorough evaluation required to accurately diagnose and assess for each condition. A minimum expected scanning time of 30 minutes ensures that sufficient time is allocated for a comprehensive patient assessment and examination of the pelvic structures.
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The scan must include detailed imaging and documentation of any identified pathology. Particular attention should be given to conditions such as severe endometriosis, which may necessitate a thorough evaluation of the pelvic structures.
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The ultrasound scan may be performed using any or all approaches, including transabdominal and transvaginal techniques. This flexibility allows the practitioner to choose the most appropriate method(s) based on the patient's specific condition and clinical presentation.
The ASA is monitoring provision of these services, including uptake of the new MBS item and practitioner experiences, and continues to advocate for funding arrangements that appropriately reflect the complexity, time and expertise required to deliver high-quality ultrasound examinations.