PRESS RELEASE: MSAC have approved GESA’s application – for more than 180,000 Australians with active IBD to access Faecal Calprotectin Testing – improved IBD Patient Care
Dr Ray Boyapati – Gastroenterologist and successful businessman from Melbourne has led the advocacy effort of behalf of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia – receiving approval from the Medical Services Advisory Board – for patients with active IBD – to get access to Faecal Calprotectin tests from GP’s and Medical Specialists treating patients with IBD including Gastroenterologists.
The application paves the way for the more than 180,000 Australians who have active IBD – to get access to a non-invasive test – to assess a flare up and or to allow the treating health professional to assess quickly what the best treatment options are and before any invasive testing is done which may include irreversible surgery.
IBD is a group of conditions characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is a chronic relapsing condition and symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bleeding, weight loss and fatigue. However, symptoms can be a poor marker of gut inflammation (active disease). Uncontrolled disease leads to significant morbidity including hospital admissions, perforation, anaemia, resectional surgery as well as profound effects on the individual’s emotional and social wellbeing. Australian and international management guidelines recommend regular assessment of disease activity and tight control of inflammation in an attempt to improve long term outcomes.
What the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) Approval Means for IBD Patients
The approval of this application ensures better and more equitable management of IBD patients with faecal calprotectin (FC).
Faecal calprotectin (FC) is a stool protein biomarker of disease activity in IBD, providing a non-invasive method to assess for intestinal inflammation. High FC levels indicate active inflammation, and allows for timely adjustments in treatment leading to improved disease management and better outcomes in IBD care including avoidance of irreversible bowel damage, surgery, hospitalisations and morbidity. A low FC suggests an absence of disease activity in IBD, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary invasive and expensive investigations such as colonoscopy in many patients.
Inclusion of FC on the medicare benefits schedule (MBS) will lead to:
• Improved Access: More equitable access to necessary medical interventions for IBD patients, particularly in underserved regional and remote areas.
• Reduced Financial Burden: Ensuring optimal IBD care is accessible for all patients.
• Enhanced Health Outcomes: Better disease management, early intervention, and an overall improvement in quality of life for individuals living with IBD.
GESA’s Leadership in Gastrointestinal Health
GESA President, Professor Alex Boussioutas, expressed pride in this significant achievement, stating:
” This is a huge success story for our patients suffering from IBD. It is also a great step forward for the Australian healthcare system. This welcome approval from MSAC allows cost-effective monitoring of patients that will lead to improved care of our patients. It reflects the dedication of GESA and its members in advocating for high-quality, evidence-based care and delivers on GESA’s mission which is to optimise gastrointestinal and liver health for every Australian.”
A Collaborative Effort
GESA IBD Faculty advocacy lead Dr Ray Boyapati spearheaded the application with a team including Dr Fergus Gardiner, Mieke Fruechtl from GESA and working group members Professor Rob Bryant, A/Prof Jacob Begun, Dr Yoon An, A/Prof Jonathan Segal and A/Prof Britt Christensen. Dr Boyapati stated “I am grateful to all those who participated in this process, particularly the patients with IBD who contributed during the public consultation phase. This outcome represents a major milestone in delivering equitable, high-quality care for patients with IBD across the country.”
Looking Ahead
GESA remains committed to working with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of MSAC’s recommendations. By fostering education, research, and collaboration, GESA will continue to lead the way in improving gut and liver health for every Australian.
About GESA
The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) is the national peak body representing gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and related healthcare professionals. GESA’s mission is to improve the gut and liver health for all Australians.
