Funding of prostate magnetic resonance imaging leads to fewer biopsies and potential savings to health systems in the management of prostate cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of the introduction of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate (mpMRIp) on the number of prostate biopsies performed in Australia. Methods: Australian Medicare published statistics from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2019 were obtained from publically available databases for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate biopsy, and mpMRIp. Analysis was divided into three time periods broadly based on availability of mpMRI to the Australian public: 2007–2012 (no mpMRIp), 2012–2018 (mpMRIp available, privately funded), and 2018–2019 (mpMRIp available with Medicare funding). Introduction of mpMRIp was hypothesised to reduce the number of prostate ..