GPs are calling for a new Medicare item to open up access to intravenous iron therapy, claiming that funding the iron deficiency treatment in primary care rather than hospitals will save the federal government millions of dollars.
In a submission to the MBS Advisory Committee’s continuous review, the RACGP said the item should be worth $200 – which would cover $90 for GP time, $50 for nurse time and $60 for resources like consumables – and also be eligible for bulk-billing incentives.
In a media statement [link here], the GP college claimed that providing Medicare funding for iron infusions in GP clinics would deliver taxpayer cost savings of up to $123 million per year, reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients and keep patients out of hospitals.
RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins said funding an item was an “absolute no-brainer”, considering new formulations had eased previous safety concerns.
“In 2021-22 alone, more than 70,000 patients were admitted to hospital for severe iron deficiency anaemia and received same day treatment. Many of these patients could have received their infusions in general practice instead,” she said.
“The new item should be combined with dynamic public health messaging educating patients across Australia about the causes and symptoms of iron deficiency and nutritional information about how to boost iron levels in our diet.”
Dr Higgins said many practices charged over $200 to administer iron infusions since standard consultation items did not account for nurse or monitoring time.
“Out-of-pocket patient fees of well over $100 are out of the reach for many people, particularly at a time of high cost of living pressures,” she said.
“So, instead patients end up on waiting lists to receive the iron infusion in a public hospital or outpatient clinic, if one is available. Their care is delayed by months, and in the meantime their condition can significantly deteriorate.”
Meanwhile, the TGA has approved IV iron treatment ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject, CSL Seqirus) for use in children aged 1-13 diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia where oral iron preparations are ineffective or can’t be used.
It is the first IV iron therapy preparation approved for the age group, but has previously been available for adolescents aged 14 and older and adults.
Associate Professor Daniel Lemberg, Paediatric Gastroenterology Senior Staff Specialist at Sydney Children’s Hospital, said the approval was welcome as iron deficiency was one of the most prevalent medical issues among children.
“Children may be at risk of developing iron deficiency, especially young adolescents who experience rapid growth and heavy menstrual bleeding. Supporting the health and growth of children impacted by this condition remains a key priority, and having an additional treatment option available for this age group is a positive step forward as we do just that,” he said.
In Australia, it has been estimated that 8% of pre-school children, 12% of pregnant women and 15% of non-pregnant women are living with anaemia, with iron deficiency anaemia a major cause.