Cardiac implant patients win battle to preserve crucial services on Prostheses List

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Amid mounting concerns and uncertainty, the Department of Health has taken a decisive step to preserve the much-needed technical services for patients with cardiac implants.

Initially scheduled for implementation on 1st July 2022, the Prostheses List (PL) benefit reductions for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) were deferred by one year to allow the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) to establish the value of the medical device and the value of CIED technical services that come with managing the device after implantation.

Representing major players in the medtech industry, including Medtronic, Abbott, Biotronik, MicroPort CRM, and Boston Scientific, the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) argued that the PL benefit reductions for CIEDs, within the context of the Prostheses List reforms, would severely hamper the ability to provide crucial technical support services to patients relying on these life-saving devices.

While the Department of Health has confirmed that CIEDs will have their benefits reduced by 40% on 1 July 2023, the reductions will only be applied to the proportion of the PL benefit that corresponds to the value of the medical device and not the technical support services.

MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess told Health Industry Hub “This decision is in recognition of the value that industry employed cardiac technicians have as an important component of the health workforce supporting the ongoing care of patients with a CIED alongside cardiologists. The bulk of existing services can now continue beyond 1 July 2023.

“While some immediate challenges remain, including the rising volume of services, seasonable variability, benefit reductions to devices and associated products, and ongoing uncertainty around July 2024, we believe thanks to the government’s efforts, this interim arrangement will avoid the implementation of a potentially catastrophic outcome for industry, health professionals and, most importantly, patients.”

The deferral of PL benefit reductions for CIED technical services brings a sigh of relief to patients and advocacy groups alike. Tanya Hall, CEO of hearts4heart, told Health Industry Hub “I commend the government for ensuring that these vital services for patients with cardiac devices can continue for at least another 12 months. I look forward to working to ensure the views of patients continue to be heard and the services can continue as part of the PL into the future.”

As the journey continues towards establishing a sustainable long-term solution, the collaboration between government, industry and patient advocacy groups becomes all the more crucial. The focus needs to remains on delivering comprehensive and accessible cardiac services that empower patients and enhance their quality of life.

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