Effects from changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in 2014 on cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography scans across Australia.

Introduction: This study examines the effects of the new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) operating from 1st November 2014 on the number of Medicare rebated panoramic radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

Methods: Data for rebated PR and CBCT scans were extracted from Medicare Australia Statistics online for four 12-month periods: November 2011-October 2012, November 2012-October 2013, November 2013-October 2014 and December 2014-November 2015.

Results: There was a reduction in the number of CBCT scans rebated across Australia under the new MBS.

Accuracy of angular measurements and assessment of distortion in the mandibular third molar region on panoramic radiographs.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine distortion on panoramic radiographs by assessing the accuracy of angular measurements in the mandibular third molar region on panoramic radiographs using computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Images from patients referred to a radiology practice for low-dose CT scans of their lower third molars were used in this study. The angle between the long axes of the second and third molars was assessed on panoramic radiographs and the corresponding CT images.