AMA submission to the Department of Health on Prostheses List Reform Consultation Paper No. 3: Prostheses List – A modernised fit-for-purpose listing process.
The AMA strongly believes that the key underlying principle for all reforms to the Prostheses List (PL) should be improving the clinical and health outcomes of the patient. We support modernising the listing process, making it more efficient and effective and providing for better management and support of future medical and technology changes.
The AMA’s submission argues that there are strengths in this consultation paper, particularly its articulation of principles for a modernised approach and the development of a tiered process that increases the flexibility to deal with risk and introduces an abbreviated pathway.
However, the AMA is disappointed by the lack of detail which makes it difficult to assess fully how any new process will work, and the missed opportunity to focus on increasing the evidence base supporting prostheses choice and use.
The AMA is also concerned that any increase in regulatory burden or higher costs applied through a changed listing process may see a reduction to smaller volume or niche products being made available to Australian patients.
