Reviews of existing MBS items
Demonstration Reviews of Existing MBS Items
Four demonstration reviews commenced in 2010. The primary focus of the reviews is quality-related issues with the key objective of identifying and evaluating current MBS services which are potentially unsafe, ineffective, or inappropriately used.
The four reviews are:
- whole of specialty review of ophthalmology services;
- surgical interventions for the treatment of obesity;
- colonoscopy; and
- pulmonary artery catheterisation.
These demonstration reviews are also being used to test the proposed review process and at their completion in 2011 the strengths and weaknesses of the process will be assessed and the review process modified accordingly.
The four review topics were identified, having regard to current literature, as presenting potential quality and safety concerns or opportunity to encourage more appropriate clinical use. The topics were broadly assessed against prioritisation criteria developed as part of the reviews framework and as outlined in the MBS Quality Framework Discussion Paper.
Independent consultants with demonstrated skills and experience in health services evaluation undertook the evidence based analysis to support each review. Originally it was proposed that an MBS Quality Framework Expert Advisory Committee would make recommendations to the Minister for Health and Ageing on the outcome for each review. However, as part of the Comprehensive Management Framework for the MBS, MSAC will now consider each review and provide advice to the Minister.
The Department invited relevant craft groups to identify clinical experts to participate in a small clinical working group for each review. These experts worked closely with the consultant to ensure that the reviews reflected an understanding of current Australian clinical practice and drew valid conclusions from the available evidence.
