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-two 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 Commonwealth Government, and a member representing the State Territory Governments.

Mission
Building on the work commenced by bodies such as 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 being admitted to the Medicare Benefits Schedule, thereby ensuring 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 Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments, the 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 funders of health care. MSAC will establish Supporting Committees to assist in its work program. The Health Technology Section of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing provides a 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)

• Uterine Artery Embolisation
• Carbon Labelled Urea Breath test
• Minimally Invasive Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
• Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Hepatitus B DNA Testing
• Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms
• Carotid Stenting

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.