Melanoma row reignites with new MBS biopsy item
Some doctors still question the value of sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with intermediate thickness cancers
Debate has reignited over the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma care, after the Federal Government announced a new $485 Medicare item to fund the procedure.
Introduced after a multi-year campaign by the Australian Society of Specialist General Surgeons, the item will be available from Monday for patients with melanoma down to 1mm Breslow thickness, as well as those ≥0.8mm with high-risk features.
