Women suffering from endometriosiswill have access to longer specialist appointments

Thousands of women suffering from endometriosis and chronic pelvic painwill have access to longer specialist appointments under a $49.1 million Albanese government plan.

Taya, 16, was finally diagnosed with endometriosis after numerous trips to hospital. Taya is pictured with her mother Nicole and their pet dog Marley. Picture: Ian Currie

Women suffering from endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain will have access to longer specialist appointments under a $49.1 million Albanese government investment in Medicare.

The funding, which will be included Tuesday’s federal budget, aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs and waiting times for critical diagnoses and treatments.

Two new items will be added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule that will enable women to have consultations of 45 minutes or more from July 1, 2025.

The measure will increase payments to specialists by at least 75 per cent to $168.60 for initial gynaecologist consultations of at least 45 minutes, and $84.35 for longer subsequent consultations.

Endometriosis is estimated to affect at least one in nine Australian women. The investment is expected to provide 430,000 more services to help women needing specialist gynaecological care, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The funding aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs and waiting times.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the government had heard the call from women across the country and was strengthening Medicare so that it served the needs of women living with this debilitating disease.

Mr Butler said more doctors needed to know about endometriosis, so they could reduce the diagnosis delay and get women the care they need.

“Women are suffering unnecessarily,” Mr Butler said.

“They’re having their experiences dismissed, being called hysterical and accused of drug shopping. Women’s pain is real and it’s time we stop telling women to just suck it up.

Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney said the MBS listing would help tackle the inequities in the health system for so many women.

The latest announcement boosts the Albanese government’s investment in support for women with endometriosis to more than $107 million.

The investments include one-stop-shops for endometriosis care, intervention and treatment.