X-rays set to be cheaper for patients

Patients who need x-rays and ultrasounds will end up paying less under a new Morrison government pledge to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the services.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on Sunday the government would expand indexation of Medicare payments to all ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services over three years from 1 July 2020 - for the first time in 20 years.

The promise means Medicare rebates for about 90 per cent of diagnostic imaging services will increase regularly at a cost to the commonwealth of almost $200 million.

WHICH SCANS WILL BE COVERED?

* X-rays for fractures

* mammograms

* pregnancy ultrasounds

* echocardiograms

* angiograms

* image-guided procedures

* CT scans for the diagnosis and management of cancer.