Have your say: Consultation survey on new MBS items for gender affirming surgeries
The Department of Health and Aged Care has opened a consultation survey for Application 1754, which proposes new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for gender affirming surgeries in adults experiencing gender incongruence.
The application, submitted by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, seeks to improve access to gender affirming procedures through a multidisciplinary best model of care framework.
Who can provide feedback?
The consultation survey is open to input from:
- general practitioners (GPs)
- health professionals and health academics
- people with lived experience
- carers and advocacy groups
- organisations with expertise in gender affirming care.
Why is this survey important?
Currently, there are a range of gender affirming procedures that:
are not funded at all through the MBS
are funded through the MBS with MBS item descriptors preventing their use for gender affirming surgeries
have MBS item descriptors that are a not suitable for performing gender affirming care and cause anxiety to doctors who are unsure if they are using the appropriate MBS item. [1]
Application 1754 proposes new MBS items to support a structured, multidisciplinary approach to gender affirming care. It also seeks to amend existing MBS items related to health assessments and care plans, to ensure patients receive coordinated, evidence-based care before, during, and after surgery.
By contributing to this consultation, GPs and other stakeholders can help shape equitable and accessible healthcare services for individuals undergoing gender affirming procedures.
Your input is valuable in ensuring that healthcare services meet the needs of all Australians.
How will your consultation feedback be used?
The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), an independent committee appointed by the federal health minister, is responsible for assessing applications for public funding of health services and technologies.
MSAC will assess Application 1754 and make recommendations to the federal health minister based on the best available evidence, including the feedback you submit.
Participate in the consultation
Provide your feedback provide feedback via the MSAC Consultation Survey (Application 1754).
The survey is open now and will close on Friday14 February 2025.