ASCIA is intending to re-apply for a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number for food allergen challenges in 2022. In preparation for this application, a new ASCIA Position Paper has been developed, following review by the ASCIA Paediatric committee, as well as a new Consent Form and Reference List. These resources are now available open access on the ASCIA website:

• ASCIA Position Paper - Food Allergen Challenges New March 2022
• ASCIA Consent Form - Food Allergen Challenges New March 2022
• References - Food Allergen Challenges New March 2022

The new resources complement the ASCIA food allergen challenges FAQ for patients and carers, which is also available on the ASCIA website:

• ASCIA Food Allergen Challenges 

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.