Government 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater' with proposed Medicare fee changes for colonoscopy - AMA
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, warned today that proposed Government changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for all items relating to Computed Tomography (virtual colonoscopy) of the abdomen would severely disadvantage patients who need this treatment.
It is believed the changes are planned to take effect from 1 May 2004.
Dr Glasson said the AMA is opposed to virtual colonoscopy in symptomless patients where it is effectively a screening mechanism only, because there is no compelling evidence that supports this use of the technology. The AMA and The Colorectal Foundation expressed concerns about the advertising claims for virtual colonoscopy of this type last October.
But the AMA supports virtual colonoscopy when it is used in certain clinical conditions or as a complement to traditional treatments.
Virtual colonoscopy is used effectively:
- for patients where a previous colonoscopy has been incomplete or has presented difficulties
- where the patient has another disease which would make colonoscopy hazardous, or the accompanying sedation risky
- where there is a narrowing of the colon which does not allow the passage of the colonoscope
- and for frail, elderly or immobile patients as an alternative to a barium enema x-ray or colonoscopy.
Dr Glasson said the best possible care and treatment for these patients would be jeopardised if the Government proceeds with its 'one size fits all' changes.
"This decision has been made without any regard for the clinical implications and the special needs of these patients," Dr Glasson said.
"The AMA believes the Health Department has made a mistake in removing access to the Computed Tomography item for these patients. The Minister has been poorly advised. In seeking to make it more expensive for patients who seek unnecessary scans, they have hit the neediest patients. They are throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
"Vulnerable patients, many of them frail and aged, will be forced to pay more for this vital treatment if the changes go through.
"The AMA will take the issue up with the Minister and the Department to have this heartless and unnecessary decision reversed," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761