From the March 2026 PL, the suffix Superior Clinical Performance (SCP) (on its own and from any existing combination with other suffixes) in categories 11 – Hip and 12 – Knee will be removed.
Sponsors of impacted billing codes were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal in 2025. The Medical Devices and Human Tissue Advisory Committee (MDHTAC) considered the sponsors’ feedback, where provided.
To be eligible for suffix SCP, the hip and knee joint replacement devices had to have the clinical data with at least 10 years follow-up and appropriate number of devices implanted, demonstrating greater than 95% implants survivorship at minimum 10 years. The devices had to remain the same with no changes to the designs/characteristics.
Recently according to the AOANJRR, the national average revision rates for the total hip replacements has been 4.3%, and for total knee replacements 4.6% at 10 years. The historical benchmark revision rate of 5% previously used as the minimum requirement for suffix SCP is therefore higher than the current national average rate of revision, meaning these devices not only do not demonstrate the superior performance but effectively may have worse revision rates compared with the averagely performing devices.
There is no guarantee that the devices remain unchanged (with no modifications to the designs) during 10 years and longer, and there are no clear mechanisms for monitoring such modifications.
MDHTAC noted that suffix SCP does not realistically and accurately reflect the clinical effectiveness of the devices and accordingly does not provide any advantages. There are no differences in benefits payable for the billing codes listed with suffix SCP (on its own and from any existing combination with other suffixes).
Suffix SCP is scheduled to be removed from the existing 38 billing codes listed on the Prescribed List from 1 March 2026.