History and structure
The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) was established in April 1998 to advise the Australian Government on the strength of evidence available on new medical technologies and procedures in terms of their safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
MSAC is a multidisciplinary expert body comprising twenty-three members drawn disciples such as pathology, surgery, internal medicine and general practice, clinical epidemiology, and health economics. MSAC also has a consumer representative, a representative from the Australian Government and a member representing the state and territory Governments.

Mission
Building on the work commenced by bodies such as the Australian Health Technology Advisory Committee (AHTAC), MSAC makes independent, evidence-based evaluations of medical technologies and procedures based on scientific and clinical grounds. All new medical procedures and technologies are evaluated by MSAC before they can be listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. This ensures that only those which are safe, cost effective, and of real benefit to patients are funded through Medicare (the lynchpin of the Australian healthcare system which ensure universal access to health care). MSAC will advise the Australian Government and territory governments, health professions and the community of its findings.

How MSAC works
In developing its advice, MSAC adopts an evidence-based approach, undertaking systematic reviews of the scientific literature, and other information sources. MSAC also consults widely with providers, users, and health funds. MSAC will establish Supporting Committees to assist in its work program. The Health Technology Section of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing provides secretariat and project support to MSAC.

Dissemination activities
MSAC's activities and findings are disseminated widely among its stakeholders. This is done through the MSAC website at www.msac.gov.au that was established for this purpose, and through mailouts of its reports and newsletters to professional medical colleges and organizations, State and Commonwealth health authorities, hospitals and to other interested parties.

Current projects (a selection)

• Autologous chrondrocyte implantation (ACI)
• Deep brain stimulation for essential tremor and dystonia
• Staging of rectal carcinoma by MRI
• Remote Monitoring Systems for Patients with Implanted Cardial Devices
• Urinary metabolic profile
• Sacral nerve stimulation
• Macural optical coherence tomorgaphy (OCT)
• Doppler cardiac output measurement without imaging
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Automated Liquid Based Cytology
• Computer Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (CATKA)
• Cryotherapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer and Renal Cancer
• Molecular Testing for the Diagnosis of Myeloproliferative Disorders
• Molecular Testing for Developmental Delay/Mental Retardation
• Genotypic Resistance Testing of Antiretrovirals in HIV

Future plans

• To identify and support new and emerging health technologies of importance to health care
• To develop appropriate methodologies for assessing new medical technologies and procedures which are consistent with an evidence-based approach
• To continue enhancing links and relationships with other organizations, both national and international, to support MSAC's work.