MSAC considers proposal to screen all pregnant women for pre-eclampsia risk

The RACGP is urging caution and consideration of potential harms

A new MBS item number is being sought so GPs and obstetricians can refer all pregnant women for a trio of tests to measure their risk of pre-eclampsia and the need for prophylactic low-dose aspirin.

The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) is considering an application for a ‘structured prenatal risk assessment’, which research has shown can prevent 62% of deliveries for preterm pre-eclampsia.