Lions Prostate Cancer Research & Treatment Project
PSA Check blood test & other diagnosis options
There is a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate; the level of PSA can be higher than normal in people with prostate cancer (but also in people with other prostate conditions that are not cancer)
A number of other tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of prostate cancer and confirm a diagnosis.
- medical history, family history and physical examination
- digital rectal examination
- genetic tests that look for inherited gene changes
- transrectal ultrasound
- imaging tests such as a CT scan and a bone scan
- multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), a specialised type of medical scan that combines three MRI images for greater detail
- PET scan or a bone scan. Prostate cancer often does not show up on standard PET scans, and a PSMA-PET scan may be done to specifically look for prostate cancer activity.
- biopsy (usually after having an MRI scan)
Information sourced from www.canceraustralia.gov.au
“Prostate check, not that scary after all”
Click on the blue “Should I have a PSA test?“ to download printable .pdf document.
Medicare PSA Testing Criteria Information, as advised by Melbourne Pathology. Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology & Melbourne Pathology are all part of Sonic Healthcare.
Changes in Medicare charging & PSA Testing Criteria:
On 1 November 2023, Medicare criteria for PSA testing (Prostate Specific Antigen) changed. This test is requested by your doctor in order to screen for prostate disease or to monitor previously diagnosed prostate disease.
Screening may take place whether you are at high risk of developing prostate cancer or not a high risk patient. According to Medicare criteria high risk means a significant family history of prostate cancer (a first degree relative (father, brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer).
Scenario 1: If you are being screened with no known family history (not high risk) then you are eligible for one test every 23 months – these will be rebated by Medicare.
Scenario 2: If you have a significant family history, you are eligible for one test every 11 months.
Scenario 3: If you have been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are no restrictions and all your PSA tests are rebated by Medicare regardless of the frequency of testing.
If you are being screened in scenario 1 or 2, and do not meet the Medicare criteria (i.e. tested more than once in 23 months in scenario 1 or more than once in 11 month in scenario 2) you may receive an invoice. A financial consent form will be offered for you to sign at blood collection, and payment will only be required if you are ineligible for the rebate.
The majority of our patients are eligible for the Medicare rebate and will be bulk billed.
So even if you have signed this form, you will only be asked to pay if the eligibility criteria are not met. Please be assured that we have mechanisms in place to identify patients who are at high risk and those who are monitored using previous history, and we will match these with the Medicare eligibility criteria.
Your doctor may have discussed your risk, and may have explained why the test has been requested. The Medicare criteria are based on the latest Prostate Cancer Foundation and National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.
Prostate Cancer Testing guidelines from Melbourne Pathology
ABOUT THIS TEST – We test for the prostate specific antigen (PSA) to diagnose and monitor prostate cancer. We’ll need a blood sample from your arm. If you’re on a high dose of Biotin, you need to wait three days after your last dose before having the test.
MEDICARE COVERAGE – Medicare rebatable
BOOKING REQUIRED – Appointment not required
PATIENT INFORMATION – Blood samples from patients on high dose Biotin (>5 mg/day) should not be taken until at least 3 days after the last dose.
Where to get tested
Better Health Channel and Victorian Government, Dept of Health – general information on Prostate cancer testing. Please click on link to Better Health Channel.
SA Health information on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) information and link to SA Pathology Services. SA Pathology provides a complete diagnostic and clinical service for our patients and the South Australian population. click on the SA Health logo for link to SA Health website.
Lions Prostate Cancer Research & Treatment Project
P O Box 42, Holland Park Qld 4121
Project Chairman – Lion Patrick O’Donoghue
email: prostatedist201@gmail.com
Host Lions Club: Lions Club of Brisbane Holland Park Inc
Lions Prostate Cancer Research & Treatment Project 