What applies to oncology patients
With a new decision by the Ministry of Health (Government Gazette 5325/B/2025), stricter rules are in effect for the repetition of diagnostic tests for EOPYY-insured patients, aiming to reduce costs. However, oncology and hematology patients are exempt in many cases, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted medical monitoring.
What changes
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For a series of laboratory and imaging tests (hematology, biochemistry, hormone tests, tumor markers, ultrasounds, CT, MRI, etc.), it is explicitly stated:
“Oncology and hematology patients are exempt”, allowing more frequent repetition when justified by the attending physician. -
For tests such as cancer markers, PET/CT scans, and scintigraphy, the exemption is automatic without time restrictions, as these are part of routine disease monitoring.
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Oncology patients are also included in the new “Radio-pharmaceutical Reimbursement Procedure”, covering nuclear medicine tests and ensuring full reimbursement.
In summary, for oncology patients, the ability to repeat tests essentially does not change — on the contrary, they are legally protected, as the prescribed exemptions remain.
However, the new framework introduces stricter controls on prescription and reimbursement, which may lead to delays or differences among diagnostic centers and could indirectly affect access and the speed at which tests are carried out.
The full page of the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) can be viewed here
Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3