Sponsors are invited to submit new applications for listing of non-irrigated ablation catheters used in treatment of non-atrial fibrillation supraventricular tachycardia (non-AF SVT), for 1 March 2021 Prostheses List.
Background
Following Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) and Prostheses List Advisory Committee (PLAC) recommendations, the Prostheses List conditions for the listing of cardiac ablation devices have changed on 1 November 2020 to include benefits for these devices for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia (VA).
Listing on the Prostheses List of ablation devices in treatment of non-atrial fibrillation supraventricular tachycardia (non-AF SVT) has also been considered.
There are different treatment options available for non-AF SVT, including the use of different types of cardiac ablation catheters. For example, irrigated and mapping catheters are clinically required in some cases of SVT, but less expensive non-irrigated ablation catheters are also clinically effective when used in treatment of simple SVT.
Therefore the department is proposing that the most practicable approach is to make both irrigated and non-irrigated ablation catheters available on Prostheses List. Grouping for non-irrigated catheters will have a lower benefit than irrigated catheters, and the requirements prescribed in clause 9 of the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules [Benefits for prostheses provided as part of hospital treatment] will remain in place [the benefit cap for any combination of devices will be no more than $6,399].
Action required
The department invites sponsors to submit new applications for listing of non-irrigated catheters for consideration for 1 March 2021 Prostheses List. Applications should be submitted via the Prostheses List Management System (PLMS) by no later than the close of business 17 December 2020.
If sponsors wish to apply, the supporting clinical evidence [peer-reviewed data on the use of the device] will need to be provided as per the standard process. Applications will be assessed by the Cardiac Prostheses Clinical Advisory Committee (CPCAG).
Any queries regarding this matter should be sent by email to Prostheses@health.gov.au.