New funding category for mechanical thrombectomy

The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) has just released its 2023-24 pricing determinations – this is the first publication that specifically references ECR and confirms an increase in funding. This funding will be applicable for procedures from 1 July 2023.

The new pricing is as below; (NOTE: these are averages, and final funding amounts will be influenced by the length of stay, time in ICU, time in ER etc.)

AR-DRG V11.0 Description ALOS (days) AVG Inlier Funding

B08A Endovascular Clot Retrieval, Major Complexity 9.3 $40,936

B08B Endovascular Clot Retrieval, Minor Complexity 4.1 $24,927

The value of this category will continue to change over the coming years as the system captures more cost and clinical data. An important next step is for INRs and stroke units to ensure that they are submitting detailed and accurate cost data to IHACPA.

Early Vertebroplasty for Severely Painful Acute Osteoporotic Compression Fractures: A Critical Review of the Literature

Dr William Clarke and Dr Terrence Diamond have had the below article on early Vertebroplasty published in the CVIR.

It fits well with the new MBS item number 35401 and should be of interest to members who practice vertebroplasty.

To access the article, visit: https://rdcu.be/c5zhY

Ultra-Long Transfers for Endovascular Thrombectomy—Mission Impossible?: The Australia-New Zealand Experience

We are pleased to share this recently published study that highlights that in selected patients transferred >300 miles, there was a benefit for endovascular stroke treatment (EVT), with outcomes similar to those treated in the comprehensive stroke centre in the EVT extended window trials.

Remote hospital CTP selection was not associated with ordinal mRS improvement, but was associated with fewer very poor 3-month outcomes for patients.

Expressions of Interest NOW OPEN - Research Sub Committee

Expressions of Interest are now open for the position of ‘Member’ of the newly formed Research Sub Committee.

The aim of the Sub Committee is to promote and support research in the fields of diagnostic neuroradiology, interventional neuroradiology and head and neck imaging through the administration of research grants.

For full details, including the key objectives, meeting frequency and responsibilities as a member, please refer to the Terms of Reference.

The Sub Committee will be made up of no more than 5 members. Please note only Full Members are eligible to apply.

Applicants will be ratified by the ANZSNR Council for a two-year term and will be advised of the outcome of their application in writing, no later than six weeks following submission.

If you wish to apply, please complete the EOI Form and submit your full application to the ANZSNR secretariat at secretariat@anzsnr.org.au by Friday 16 December 2022.

ANZSNR ASM 2023 - REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

On behalf the ASM Organising Committee we are delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the 2023 ANZSNR ASM.

The 3-day interactive and dynamic ASM, commencing on Thursday 30th March at midday and concluding at lunchtime on Sunday 02 April, will be held at the:

RACV, Cape Schanck on Victoria’s Morning Peninsula, a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

A coach service from Tullamarine Airport will be offered for delegates, further details will be provided following your registration to attend.  

With all borders fully opened, we will be joined in person by two internationally renowned presenters in the fields of neuroradiology and interventional neuroradiology.

Professor Alessandra Biondi (INR)

Department of Neuroradiology and Vascular Radiology

Besançon University Hospital, France

Professor Howard A. Rowley 

Professor of Radiology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery

Joseph F. Sackett Professor of Radiology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison

The provision program is now available to view  https://www.anzsnrasm.com/program

To take full advantage of the early bird discounted registration offer, we encourage you to REGISTER NOW –

https://www.anzsnrasm.com/registration

We look forward welcoming delegates to the RACV, Cape Schanck next year.