From 1 March 2026, a new MBS item 38620 will be introduced for a cardiac service. The item is for insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy for refractive heart failure in patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant. At the same time MBS item 38621 will be amended to include replacement of LVAD. The changes will ensure that patients with heart failure who are not eligible for heart transplant have alternative therapy.
Further information is available in the factsheet below:
Word Version - Insertion of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy.DOCX
PDF Version - Insertion of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy.pdf