Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is urging the federal government to review its decision to remove fibrin sealants from the Prescribed List on November 1 until alternative funding arrangements are in place, warning it could severely disrupt essential surgical procedures and increase costs for patients and hospitals.
Fibrin sealants are crucial in managing bleeding risks during surgery, and play a key role in ensuring patient safety, reducing complications, and preserving scarce blood supplies. Having these crucial products on the Prescribed List ensures that private health insurers must pay benefits, keeping profit motives out of patient care.
Hospitals that are already grappling with financial constraints could be forced to make decisions about whether to cover the high cost of these products.
"These products are not just an option. They are a standard part of care that reduces the need for blood transfusions and the risk of complications. The potential impact on patient health outcomes should not be underestimated," said Dr Katharine Bassett, Director of Health Policy.
"Removing these products undermines recent health reforms intended to improve access and reduce patient out-of-pocket costs. These products can cost over $1000 per procedure, a burden that private hospitals will now need to absorb amid ongoing viability concerns, or alternatively pass onto patients already struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
"It also undermines a doctor's ability to choose the most effective products for patient care and recovery. Many essential surgeries for at-risk patients will no longer be feasible in private hospitals, forcing these patients into the overloaded public healthcare system with longer waiting lists."
To safeguard patient outcomes, CHA is urging the government to maintain these products on the Prescribed List until alternative funding arrangements are in place. This will ensure these essential products remain accessible and affordable for all Australians.
