The Department of Health and Aged care has provided an update changes to the colorectal surgery Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items following Government agreement as part of the 2023-24 Budget process. The following changes will be implemented by the department’s Clinical Support and Financing Section.

• Effective 1 July 2023, item 32221 for the removal or revision of an artificial bowel sphincter will be extended for an additional five years, until 30 June 2028, subject to further review. The item had been planned for deletion on 1 July 2023, but this deletion will be deferred due to continuing patient need. The MBS Review Taskforce recommended the deletion of artificial bowel sphincter items 32220 (for insertions) and 32221 (for removals or revisions) as these devices are no longer considered best practice for the treatment of severe faecal incontinence. Item 32220 was deleted on 1 July 2022, however the deletion of item 32221 was deferred for an initial 12-month period due to continuing patient need. This further deferral will ensure that the small number of patients with an artificial bowel sphincter will continue to have access to affordable removal and revision services, if required.
• A new MBS item will be introduced for minimally invasive ventral rectopexy for the repair of external rectal prolapse and symptomatic high-grade internal rectal intussusception. The introduction of this new item was recommended by the MBS Review Taskforce and was supported by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) in November 2022. The new item will replace the temporary item for ventral rectopexy (item 32118) to support patient access on an ongoing basis. Implementation is planned for 1 March 2024.

Communication materials on the changes will be made available in due course at www.mbsonline.gov.au under the ‘Fact Sheets’ tab.