Newsflash: MSAC announces support of new MBS item for trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma
MSAC announces support of a new MBS item for trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma surgery as a standalone procedure
EXCITING DEVELOPMENT SHARED BY THE GM
The advancement of Trabecular Bypass micro stents has brought forth an essential field in ophthalmology that benefits patients, surgeons, and healthcare systems by providing less invasive surgical options for glaucoma that are efficacious, effective, and cost effective.
Since launching the iStent inject in January 2016 the level of support from the ophthalmic community has continued to grow. To date, over 500 surgeons have been trained or are currently in training with the Glaukos team. Since May 2018 surgeons in Australia have had to use the product in combination with cataract surgery as there was no approved MBS Item Number for without cataract surgery usage. This has limited access for patients who may potentially benefit from an implant who are either already psuedophakic or phakic and not needing cataract surgery.
Earlier this year Glaukos worked with the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists, Glaucoma Australia and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology to resubmit for the third time to MSAC for a MBS Code to support the use of iStent inject without cataract surgery, which is consistent with our approved Indications for Use approved by the TGA.
After a number of years of working through the multiple layers of the Department of Health and Government, it is with great pleasure that I can inform you that MSAC reviewed the submission at their August 2019 meeting that is Application No. 1541 – Micro-bypass glaucoma surgery device implantation as a standalone procedure in patients with open angle glaucoma. After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to comparative safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, MSAC have announced support of a new MBS item to the Minister for Health for trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma surgery as a standalone procedure for patients with open-angle glaucoma.
At the time of writing further details on when this will be implemented, the exact wording and fee have not been confirmed. The Department is currently working towards implementation for listing of an MBS item for a standalone procedure.
Once this has been confirmed we will continue to keep you informed.
Thank you for all your support and I look forward to speaking with many of you in the coming months and at RANZCO in Sydney.
Kind regards,
GLENN FAWCETT
General Manager