OAC Supports Recommendation to Publicly Fund the Use of Natriuretic Peptide Testing in Adults with Suspected Heart Failure

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) supports a draft recommendation issued by Ontario Health (OH) calling for public funding of the use of natriuretic peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP) testing for the diagnosis of people with suspected heart failure in the community and emergency department settings.

At the present time, Ontario patients pay directly for this testing unless  it is performed as an inpatient or outpatient hospital service.  “The measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP is an accepted biomarker for the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure.  The current lack of public funding for this testing in the community in Ontario is a major limitation to clinicians and their patients and requires adjustment”, states the OAC’s letter.

The draft recommendation is based on guidance from the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, which has been studying the issue since 2019.  More information on the health technology assessment can be found at OH’s website: https://hqontario.ca/…/Use-of-B-Type-Natriuretic….

The OAC is calling on the Ministry of Health to accept and implement the recommendation immediately.  “The evidence is unequivocal that natriuretic peptide testing has clinical benefit, and is in accordance with patient preferences, patient care equity and cost effectiveness.  We urge the Ministry of Health to act on this recommendation and extend public funding for the expanded use of this important diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making tool in the interest of Ontario patients.”

To read the the OAC’s letter, click here: OAC Letter – Natriuretic Peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP) Testing (Feb. 9, 2021).

OH is requesting public and stakeholder feedback on the draft recommendation by February 24, 2021, which can be provided online here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6148237/B-Type-Eng.

For more information, contact:

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
34 Eglinton Ave. West, Suite 410
Toronto, Ontario M4R 2H6
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: admin@ontac.ca
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca