Heart clinics face further criticism.

Australian Doctor,  February, 2007  

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By Paul Smith

CARDIOLOGISTS have joined the chorus of criticism of Australia's heart check clinics, questioning whether the explosion in the bulk-billed tests being offered to patients is necessary.

Federal Health Minister Mr Tony Abbott said last week he was ready to step in to prevent the clinics driving up demand for government-funded services through direct-to-consumer advertising on commercial radio.

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand has now questioned the clinical value of the tests, which include ECG treadmill tests and Doppler studies targeting ...

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