Authors' recommendations: After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of radio frequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limb/s due to chronic venous insufficiency, MSAC supports the public funding of ultrasound guided endoluminal RFA for this purpose at the same fees and with the same Extended Medicare Safety Net Cap as the corresponding ELT items. MSAC advised that the MBS item descriptor should be along the following lines (which reflect the recent changes to the ELT item descriptor), and that the same definition of eligible varicose veins should also be applied to the current ELT MBS item descriptors: VARICOSE VEINS, abolition of venous reflux by occlusion of a primary or recurrent great (long) OR small (short) saphenous vein of one leg (and major tributaries of saphenous veins as necessary), using a radiofrequency catheter introduced by an endovenous catheter, where it is documented by duplex ultrasound that the great or small saphenous vein demonstrates reflux of 0.5 seconds or longer, including all preparation and immediate clinical aftercare (including excision or injection of either tributaries or incompetent perforating veins, or both), not provided on the same occasion as a service described in any of items 32500, 32501, 32504 or 32507of the General Medical Services Table. Fee: $523.65 VARICOSE VEINS, abolition of venous reflux by occlusion of a primary or recurrent great (long) AND small (short) saphenous vein of one leg (and major tributaries of saphenous veins as necessary),using a radiofrequency catheter introduced by an endovenous catheter, where it is documented by duplex ultrasound that the great and small saphenous vein demonstrates reflux of 0.5 seconds or longer, including all preparation and immediate clinical aftercare (including excision or injection of either tributaries or incompetent perforating veins, or both), not provided on the same occasion as a service described in any of items 32500, 32501, 32504 or 32507of the General Medical Services Table. Fee: $778.50. MSAC also advised that the note currently applying to ELT should also apply to RFA as follows: - It is recommended that the medical practitioner performing the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has successfully completed a substantial course of study and training in the management of venous disease, which has been endorsed by their relevant professional organisation.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1166-public

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)