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The cheek of some people

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 26 November 2009

The Commonwealth’s recent decision to list Sculptra on the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. is exciting news for Australia’s positive community. Anyone with HIV treatment ­associated facial lipoatrophy is now subsidised to receive up to eight vials for their first treatment followed by top­ ups of two vials every two years

Having the stuff administered is another story. While there is a growing body of practitioners qualified to inject Sculptra, some are charging considerably more than others.

NAPWA has supported a submission to have an item number for the injecting procedure listed by Medicare and are hoping for an outcome this year. Some practitioners have indicated they will be prepared to charge just that scheduled fee.

Anyone interested in the treatment is encouraged to discuss it first with their HIV doctor.

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From Positive Living

This article was first published in the December 2009 issue of Positive Living — more than two years ago.

While the content of this was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

This article may contain medical information. NAPWA makes every reasonable effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate, reliable and up-to-date, including obtaining technical reviews by medically-qualified reviewers, however the authors of information on this website are not qualified to give medical advice, except where explicitly stated.

The content of this website is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS and their medical advisers, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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