Medical Treatment Overseas Program

The Objective

The Medical Treatment Overseas Program (MTOP) is a funding program for individual Australians who have life-threatening conditions where treatment is not available in Australia. Eligible patients are supported to seek treatment, where available in another country and where the treatment is accepted by the Australian medical profession as a standard form of treatment which is life-extending and potentially curative.

There were several objectives for this review:

• Appropriateness of MTOP in the context of the pace of change in health technology and global trends in treatment for those supported under the program;
• Equity of outcomes under the program;
• Cost-effectiveness of the program; and
• Administrative efficiency and accountability of the program.

Our Approach

The project involved extensive documentation review and stakeholder consultation, including expert medical groups and Colleges (craft-based groups) across the breadth of specialities covered by life-threatening conditions, Commonwealth Government program areas (including MTOP administrators) and representatives of peak consumer organisations.

In addition, a survey of MTOP Applicants/Carers/Family Members, Australian Treating Specialists and other interested parties was undertaken to canvass the views of a broader set of stakeholders who had experience with MTOP.

The Outcome

The review recommended enhancements to the program to address effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness.