KALGOORLIE — Integral Diagnostics and subsidiary Apex Radiology are under scrutiny after internal documentation indicated billing Medicare for services ineligible for bulk billing at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus in Western Australia.

An internal company memo circulated on June 4 documented radiologists signing off on referrals to enable Medicare rebates. The memo stated, "This practice carries significant compliance risks for yourself as the radiologist and may be interpreted as inconsistent with Medicare requirements."

An internal WA Country Health Service email sent on June 3 instructed employees to ensure staff were aware of Medicare billing rules. The email stated, "Please advise all staff that it is their responsibility to ensure correct examination codes are entered into the system prior to finalising an examination."

On May 19, WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat stated in parliament that her advice indicated no irregularities. Hammat said, "There has been some consideration, but the director-general's advice is that there is nothing irregular." She said, "In light of new information I have sought advice and will make appropriate referrals." WA Health notified the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing of potential concerns.

Integral Diagnostics managing director Ian Kadish denied knowledge of billing wrongdoing. Kadish said, "Integral Diagnostics is not currently aware of any incorrect billing." He added, "We will thoroughly investigate the claims and fully support any enquiries the government is making."

WA Liberal health spokesperson Libby Mettam called for an investigation by the state Corruption and Crime Commission. Mettam said, "We are talking about serious allegations where Medicare has been billed for treatments or consultations that patients have not received, or double billing as well." She added, "The minister needs to come clean about what she knew about these very serious concerns, and what action she had undertaken as minister for health."