Authors' recommendations: After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cell enrichment liquid-based cytology (CE LBC) in routine screening for the prevention of cervical cancer, MSAC supports public funding via new MBS items, at the same MBS fee as conventional cytology (CC), acknowledging that some patients may still incur out-of-pocket costs as bulk billing may not occur to the same extent as for CC. In relation to the MBS item descriptor, MSAC reiterated its April 2013 advice that the new MBS item descriptors would: • exclude cell filtration liquid-based cytology (CF LBC); • not apply to the small volume MBS item relating to vaginal (rather than cervical) smears on the grounds that there was insufficient evidentiary basis to support this request; and • allow CC or CE LBC to be funded on any one occasion, but not both. MSAC also advises that the relevant bulk-billing rates and screening participation rates be closely monitored as part of implementing the supported listing.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1157-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)