Dear Sir / Madam,
Greetings from PruBSN Takaful Berhad!
Following the release of “Criteria on the Usage of Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid (IAHA) Injection for Osteoarthritis of Various Joints” from the Ministry of Health’s Medical Practice Division, with reference number KKM.T.600-8/37/53 (8), we would like to inform all panel hospitals that our coverage of IAHA will adhere to the guidelines provided by the division.
In accordance with the guideline, Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid (IAHA) is recommended for osteoarthritis of the knee and glenohumeral joint (shoulder) when there is clinical and radiological evidence indicating the need for symptomatic relief after at least six (6) weeks of failed conservative treatment.
The guideline also states that IAHA should not be used in the following conditions:
- IAHA should not be used as a routine replacement of synovial fluid during large joint procedures.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and IAHA should not be performed together at the same setting.
- IAHA should not be used as a first line management for symptomatic osteoarthritis.
- IAHA does not benefit knee meniscus or ligament injury.
- The use of IAHA with sorbitol and mannitol in OA is not recommended due to insufficient evidence.
The complete guideline can be accessed on the official website of the Ministry of Health's Medical Practice Division at https://hq.moh.gov.my/medicalprac/mcofee/
While we do not prohibit doctors from administering the injections for other indications such as meniscus or ligamentous injuries as their preferred treatment, we recommend informing patients of such non-coverable items beforehand. Additionally, we would like to emphasize that PRP (Platelet rich plasma) injections remains non-coverable.
Kindly cascade this information to the doctors as well all your relevant departments (business office, front office, patient administration, Accident & Emergency Department, admission & discharge counter, insurance counter, finance & billing department etc.). You may contact PruBSN Medical Management team at 03-27783872 if you have further questions.
