Medicare subsidised services under review to find 'efficiencies'

A review of more than 5000 Medicare-subsidised services will bring efficiencies, not savings, the federal government has insisted.

The Coalition will form an expert panel to review 5500 tests, treatments and procedures, including research on how to provide better care and a crackdown on doctors ripping off the system.

Today Health Minister Sussan Ley said the expert panel would examine concerns outdated options are creating inefficient care for Australians seeking help.

The Medicare system's ability to cope with mental health and chronic diseases will also be assessed.

"We know it can be a win for governments and a win for patients," Ms Ley said.

"This is not a savings exercise."

The freeze on the Medicare rebate will remain in place while the government consults health professionals.

"That pause will not be there a day longer than it needs to be," Ms Ley said.

Ms Ley also acknowledged the GP co-payment, famously taken off the table as an option, was now "even more off the table".

The Medicare review has the initial support of the opposition and the Greens, however Labor's backing is conditional, with opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King "deeply suspicious" about the government's intentions.

Labor leader Bill Shorten said the review was "good news" but said the government was taking too long to consult with health professionals.

"It's the government who's stolen 18 months of this nation's life by wasting the nation's time on five different versions of the tax on sick people going to GPs," he said.

The expert panel will report to the federal government later in the year.