Well, well, well, so it is no longer a conspiracy in the dusty bullpen of Alor.org! Myocarditis from the mRNA vaccines is acknowledged by the government, as shown by the new Medicare item for MRI diagnosis! Roll up! Roll up! Rollup for the magical myocarditis tour!
“New item for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for myocarditis associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccination - factsheet Last updated: 16 December 2021 What are the changes? From 1 January 2022, Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 63399 is being introduced for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assist in diagnosing myocarditis that may occur after vaccination with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna). The item is for use in circumstances where myocarditis cannot be definitively diagnosed using conventional imaging and other diagnostic tests. This is a temporary item. It is being made available pending a full health technology assessment by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) on the use of cardiac MRI in diagnosing myocarditis more broadly. Item 63399 will be available for use from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2022. Service/Descriptor MRI–scan of cardiovascular system for the assessment of myocardial structure and function, if the service is requested by a consultant physician who has assessed the patient, and the request for the scan indicates: (a) the patient has suspected myocarditis after receiving a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine; and (b) the patient had symptom onset within 21 days of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine administration; and (c) the results from the following examinations are inconclusive to form a diagnosis of myocarditis: (i) echocardiogram; and (ii) troponin; and (iii) chest X-ray. Applicable not more than once in a patient’s lifetime (R) (Anaes.) (Contrast) Schedule fee: $855.20 Benefit: 85% = $767.30 75% = $ 641.40
Why are the changes being made? Accurate diagnosis of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine associated myocarditis is critical to the ongoing management of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program, including the rollout of mRNA booster doses, and the extension of mRNA vaccinations to children under the age of 12 years. What does this mean for requestors? Consultant physicians can request item 63399 in circumstances where it is clinically necessary, and the request meets the requirements in the item descriptor. What does this mean for providers? The cardiac MRI can be provided by a person who is: (a) a specialist in diagnostic radiology and satisfies the Chief Executive Medicare that the specialist is a participant in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists’ Quality and Accreditation Program; or (b) a specialist in diagnostic radiology or a consultant physician and is recognised by the Conjoint Committee for Certification in Cardiac MRI. How will these changes affect patients? Patients who have been vaccinated with Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna) will have access to cardiac MRI in circumstances where it is clinically appropriate. The item can be used once in a patient's lifetime. Where can I find more information? The full item descriptor and explanatory note can be found on the MBS Online website at www.mbsonline.gov.au. You can also subscribe to future MBS updates by visiting MBS Online and clicking ‘Subscribe’.”