ASCIA is intending to apply for a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number for antibiotic allergy challenges in 2022. In preparation for this application, a new ASCIA FAQ for patients and carers, as well as a new Consent Form, have been developed, following review by the ASCIA Drug Allergy committee. These resources are now available open access on the ASCIA website:

ASCIA Antibiotic Allergy Challenge New March 2022

ASCIA Consent Form - Antibiotic Allergy Challenges New March 2022

The new resources complement the ASCIA antibiotic allergy information for health professionals, which is also available on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers#p2 

We note that in the Federal Budget announcement on Tuesday 29 March 2022, it was stated that the Australian Government’s investment would include support to improve access to allergy diagnostics and to gather evidence to support MBS items for food and drug challenge testing. Our aim is for the new resources listed above to assist in this process.

To read more about the Federal Budget announcement go to www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/info-updates/allergic-diseases-and-anaphylaxis-funding-announced-in-federal-budget

This news item was issued on 4 April 2022 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.