AXSPA restriction and item codes
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PBS AXSPA restriction and item codes
Contact details
PBS Complex Drugs Programs
Forms
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis - initial authority application (PB255)
Services Australia website
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
External website
PBS schedule for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
FAQs from Service Officers
Table 1: see Table 2 in Processing Complex Authority Required Listings for FAQs about all Complex programs.
Item | Description |
1 | What are the acceptable reasons for not meeting the criteria if a patients C-reactive protein (CRP) is not elevated on initial application? Acceptable reasons are: - Treatment with prednisolone dosed at 7.5 mg or higher daily (or equivalent)
- Steroid injection within the past month (intramuscular or intravenous methylprednisolone or equivalent)
Refer to a Pharmaceutical Advisor (PA) for any other reason. |
2 | For medications with a loading dose, is the prescriber required to use a loading dose? No. The prescriber is not required to use a loading dose. If a loading dose is requested, it must be approved under the loading dose item code to make sure the correct Q+As are requested with reduced quantity and increased repeats. Refer to code sheet for further details. |
3 | Can a prescriber use a continuing Ankylosing Spondylitis form to apply for continuing treatment? No. Not all clinical criteria is addressed on the Ankylosing Spondylitis form. Continuing treatment must be requested: - using the online PBS authority system, or
- by phone
|
4 | What tests are required for continuing treatment? A Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) is needed for all patients however CRP is only required if it was elevated at baseline. |
5 | Is there a maximum of drug failures for a patient? Yes. There is a maximum of four failures on PBS subsidy before a break from the program of five years is required. |
6 | Can a patient return to a drug they have failed? No. As the patient failed a drug they cannot return; however an adverse reaction is not considered a failure. |
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