1736 – Lipoprotein(a) testing as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease

Page last updated: 21 September 2022

Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) can be measured using a variety of pathology methods. Lp(a) levels are proposed to be measured used to in individuals who would otherwise be considered to be at moderate risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). High levels of Lp(a) are considered a major component of “residual risk”: the risk of CHD that remains despite optimising modifiable common risk factors such as obesity, smoking and hypertension.

Description of Medical Condition

Cardiovascular disease encompasses coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and aortic atherosclerosis, and thoracic or aortic aneurysms. CHD (also known as coronary artery disease) is an accumulation of plaque build-up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the body. Plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Plaque build-up causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which can partially or totally block the blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis. For some people, the first sign of CHD is a heart attack, with blood supply being blocked to the heart.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Investigative technology

Previous Application Number/s

Not Applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Form

Application Form (PDF 1465 KB)
Application Form (Word 216 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 656 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 27 KB)

PASC Consultation
PASC consultation closed

MSAC Consultation
MSAC consultation TBA – please subscribe to the MSAC Email Bulletin to be notified when consultation opens for this application

For further information please refer to PASC, ESC, MSAC Key Dates
For further information on the consultation process please refer to MSAC Consultation Process

PICO Confirmation

PICO Confirmation (PDF 656 KB)
PICO Confirmation (Word 1151 KB)

Assessment Report

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Public Summary Document

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Meetings for this Application

PASC

8–9 December 2022

ESC

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MSAC

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