MSAC nod for faecal calprotectin use in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) has welcomed the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) recommendation to introduce faecal calprotectin testing for adults and children with symptomatic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

Already widely used in Australia, faecal calprotectin testing plays a crucial role in managing IBD, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures like colonoscopies. However, equitable access has been limited due to out-of-pocket costs.

While MSAC supported the creation of a new MBS item for monitoring disease activity in symptomatic patients, it did not endorse public funding for faecal calprotectin testing of asymptomatic patients with IBD. The committee also specified that general practitioners (GPs) should be allowed to request faecal calprotectin testing on behalf of a specialist or consultant physician.

GESA President, Professor Alex Boussioutas, hailed the decision as a significant step forward, saying “This is a huge success story for our patients suffering from IBD. It is also a great step forward for the Australian healthcare system. This welcome approval from MSAC allows cost-effective monitoring of patients that will lead to improved care of our patients.”

Despite acknowledging the economic and financial models suggesting cost savings from reduced colonoscopies, MSAC expressed scepticism about whether such reductions would materialise, even among symptomatic patients. The committee noted that some of the projected decreases in colonoscopies may have already been realised through existing private funding, public hospital services, or alternative MBS items currently used for IBD diagnosis.

MSAC also raised concerns about the potential misuse of the new MBS item for asymptomatic patients. The committee recommended a formal review of faecal calprotectin test utilisation within two years of implementation to assess its impact and ensure appropriate use.

GESA IBD Faculty advocacy lead, Dr Ray Boyapati, who spearheaded the application alongside GESA and fellow gastroenterologists Professor Rob Bryant and Associate Professor Jacob Begun, underscored the significance of the decision.

“This outcome represents a major milestone in delivering equitable, high-quality care for patients with IBD across the country,” stated Dr Boyapat.

This landmark approval marks a critical advancement in the management of IBD (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), a chronic condition affecting more than 180,000 Australians.

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