The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) is excited to confirm that the federal health budget introduces a new MBS item for breast marker clip insertion for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, alleviating the financial burden of breast cancer patients and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Made from tiny titanium or stainless-steel markers in a size of smaller than a sesame seed, breast marker clips are generally placed during a breast biopsy procedure to clearly identify the location of a potentially cancerous lesion. They are an essential part of optimal breast cancer diagnosis and treatment but were underutilised due to the lack of Medicare funding.
Approximately 50% of patients who undergo a breast lumpectomy are likely to need a marker, with about 2% of those patients requiring two or more markers. Without Medicare funding, this has imposed an extra out of pocket cost to patients who are already experiencing the stress of a cancer diagnosis.
RANZCR President, Clin A/Prof Sanjay Jeganathan said, ‘I’m thrilled that Medicare can now fund breast marker clips for breast cancer patients who need them. Clinical radiologists use breast marker clips which are highly visible on imaging to locate a cancerous site precisely for surgical removal. It can avoid unnecessary loss of tissue. This is a highly positive change that will benefit breast cancer patients in the long term.’
RANZCR has been advocating for breast marker clips to be funded by Medicare with the College’s pre-budget submission 2023.
Source: RANZCR