Medicare review: The 23 items set to be axed and what they mean

The Australian Medical Association has raised concerns the loss of 23 items from the Medicare Benefits Schedule, including ear and throat surgery, will leave patients financially worse off. Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley announced on Monday 23 tests and procedures, including ear, nose and throat surgeries and diagnostic imaging, have been recommended for removal as part of a major shake-up of Medicare. Ms Ley said in a statement the 23 items, which also include gastroenterology, obstetrics and thoracic medicine services, cost $6.8 million in the past year and were used 52,500 times.