Microscopic image of villi
Microscopic image of villi

Health technology assessment

Value in healthcare is defined as outcomes that matter to our members relative to the cost of delivering those outcomes. We live in an age of innovation in healthcare where many advances in medical technology have significantly improved outcomes. However, some technologies add substantial cost without adding significant outcomes benefit (eg decreases the value of treatment).

As a not-for-profit, Friendly Society, it's important we have a clear process to approve coverage for new technologies that allows us to prioritise value. We have developed guidelines so that there is a clear and consistent process for our value-based approach to healthcare delivery.

Applications for assessment of health technologies are accepted for the following categories:

  • new procedures / technologies
  • eligibility criteria changes for an existing procedure
  • incremental changes to existing technology / device
  • diagnostic tests and investigations.

Assessment guidelines and process

  • Applications must be submitted by a registered healthcare provider in New Zealand.
  • Applications must be for conditions covered by Southern Cross policies.
  • Applications must be approved by Medsafe.
  • Applications will not be approved if developmental / experimental in nature.

Once an application is received, the procedure / technology will be placed on the Southern Cross Health Society unapproved healthcare services list until assessment is completed.

HTAQ assessment diagram
HTAQ assessment diagram

If you have any questions about the process or guidelines, please email [email protected] or write to the Medical Officer, Southern Cross Health Society, Private Bag 99934, Newmarket, Auckland 1149.

To download your application, please enter the below information

 

This information will be used to assess the health technology / procedure you have applied to have covered by Southern Cross and to contact you if we require further information and / or to advise the outcome of the assessment. It will be held at Southern Cross Medical Care Society, Level 1, Te Kupenga, 155 Fanshawe Street, Auckland City 1010 and you are able to access it or request correction by contacting us at [email protected].



FAQs

How long does it take to process an application?

You will be advised of the outcome of your application within four to seven months from the date of a complete application being received. Your Partnership Manager and the new health technology team will keep you informed of the status of your application as it moves through the process.

How will I find out the result of my application?

Your Partnership Manager will advise you directly about our decision. Once an application is received, the procedure / technology will be placed on the Southern Cross Health Society Unapproved healthcare services list. Services that are declined cover will remain on the list of Unapproved healthcare services which is published on the Southern Cross website.

My new healthcare service was approved, but it is still on the Unapproved healthcare services list. Why?

It will remain on our list of Unapproved healthcare services until the service is added to our health insurance policies as part of a Policy Update. After that, it will be removed from our list of Unapproved healthcare services. If you have an eligible patient for a newly approved healthcare technology, please contact your Partnership Manager.