Stirling Griff (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Fierravanti-Wells, representing the Minister for Health. During question time last year, I asked what government was doing to assist consumers make informed choices about their health treatment. In particular, I reference the lack of publicly available IVF clinic performance data, which in effect rewards poorest-performing clinics. In 2014, live birth rates between clinics varied from between nine per cent and 24 per cent from fresh cycles. In 2012, it was as low as four per cent and up to 31 per cent. However, consumers aren't able to determine individual clinic results. Former Senator Nash, representing the minister, said government had been working with a range of stakeholders on 'the development of a transparency model'. Can the minister advise what work has been done on this transparency model, specifically related to assisted reproductive technology? And when will it be released to the public?

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Griff for the question and for advance notice of it. Minister Hunt is supportive of work to increase the transparency of outcomes for patients. On 2 January this year, he announced the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Out-of-Pocket Costs, chaired by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy. The committee is investigating out-of-pocket costs and options to ensure that consumers are better informed of fees before agreeing to treatment. The committee has held two meetings: on 8 February and 23 March this year. The committee is due to provide a report to the minister at the end of 2018. Communiques are released shortly after each meeting.

Currently, individual fertility clinics capture data on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology treatment procedures. This data is collected and analysed by the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database, which is funded by the Fertility Society of Australia. Neither the public nor the Department of Health has direct access to this database. The IVF Directors Group has offered to work with the department, once they are satisfied with agreed data parameters, to introduce an improved database to collect assisted reproductive technology data that would be reconcilable with NBS data. Improved access to data may better inform clinical practice and better inform patients of their individual likely success rate.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Griff, a supplementary question.

Stirling Griff (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During October estimates, the Department of Health told me it was in ongoing discussions with industry about publishing assisted reproductive technology success rates on a clinic-by-clinic basis. However, during the recent February estimates, I was told that the department has no intention of publishing clinic success rates. Which of these is correct?

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The department continues to work with the assisted reproductive technology sector through the MBS review process to ensure assisted reproductive technology items reflect clinical best practice. The MBS review task force chair and officers from the MBS review have met with the IVF directors group from the Fertility Society of Australia to discuss a range of issues, including greater transparency. The publishing of clinical performance data is a matter for industry.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Griff, a final supplementary question?

Stirling Griff (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The UK and the US both publish clinical data that allows the public to assess the performance of different IVF clinics and other reproductive technology. Given these countries are doing this, and doing this well, what is stopping Australia from doing the same right now?

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is a complex and difficult area with varying medical views regarding the merits of publishing success rates. Part of the role of the Department of Health is to monitor the policy settings and delivery of other health systems internationally. This includes being alert to models and initiatives such as consumer-focused websites offering outcome-based information regarding healthcare services. The publishing of clinical performance data is a matter for industry.