We rely on available public information, ACC data, and information shared by the sector to build an accurate picture of cost changes and wider market conditions.

We look at our own operational data, market intelligence, performance information, commissioning and commercial considerations, and other available information.  

A pricing review does not automatically mean prices will change. Any adjustment needs to be supported by the information available and be the most appropriate response to the issue identified.

Sector information helps us understand the nature, scale, and drivers of cost pressure, including whether they're market-wide, regional, or provider-specific. It will inform whether a response is needed and whether price, contract settings, service design, or other commissioning levers are most appropriate.

We’re seeking information from the sector about: 

• cost structure and cost movement
• unit costs after volume, service mix, productivity and provider action
• sustainability and cross-subsidy
• access, capacity, and workforce
• operating models and ACC processes
• outcomes and value
• future opportunities and risks
• recommended responses.

We're also interested in understanding how suppliers and providers are currently interpreting, prioritising, and managing these pressures within their own organisations.  

We welcome all feedback. The more data-informed and representative the information, the more useful it will be in informing our analysis. Anecdotal information and provider experience remain valuable, particularly where evidence may not be readily available, but will generally be considered alongside other information sources.  

We'll give greater weight to information that is: 

• evidence-based, independently verified, and supported by robust data sources that provide greater transparency into the context for which insights should be considered (such as across time or in relation to other measures). This could include audited financial statements, independently commissioned research, administrative datasets, or peer-reviewed analysis. 
• demonstrative of market-wide, regional or population-level trends and impacts. Information that shows the scale, prevalence, and significance of issues across the broader market that provides a comprehensive basis for decision-making. 

We'll consider six key questions when analysing pricing information:

1. What has changed? We’ll consider whether there have been changes in costs, service demand or mix, workforce pressures, productivity, market conditions, and delivery requirements.
2. How material is it? We’ll consider the scale, significance, and breadth of the change, and if it's specific to a service, a region, a population group, or the wider provider market.
3. What effect is it having? We’ll consider the effect on provider participation, service capacity, access, quality, outcomes, investment, and sustainable service delivery.
4. How reliable is the information? We will consider whether the information relates clearly to the ACC-funded service, is supported by verifiable information and identifies relevant assumptions, estimates, and limitations.
5. Is the current base price appropriate? We’ll consider whether the existing price is an appropriate starting point, taking account of the service requirements, efficient delivery costs, service performance, market conditions and any relevant benchmarks. This will help us determine whether an adjustment to the existing price is appropriate or whether the underlying price needs to be reviewed more fully.
6. What is the appropriate response? We’ll consider whether a response is required and whether pricing, payment arrangements, contract settings, service design, operational processes, performance settings, targeted intervention, or no change is most appropriate. In line with ACC’s purpose, our pricing decisions will be made with the view to support safe and effective delivery of clinically appropriate services for injured people. 

Sector submissions are an important input into ACC’s analysis, alongside ACC data, public information, market intelligence, and other available information. No single submission or factor determines the outcome.

The information will help inform pricing decisions, but we’ll continue to be responsible for the method used, the weight given to different information sources and the final pricing and commissioning decisions.

We’ll take the appropriate steps to manage the information you provide, including any sensitive or commercial information. Our Privacy Policy explains how we use information.

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1. What are the main costs to deliver the ACC-funded service?
2. How have your costs changed over the last three years?
3. After allowing for changes in service volume, service mix, productivity, and actions taken to manage costs, how has the cost of delivering each unit of the ACC-funded service changed?
4. What other factors, outside of changes in service costs, have affected the financial sustainability of the ACC-funded service?
5. To what extent do current ACC prices support financially sustainable delivery of the service?
6. What effect is the current financial position having, or expected to have, on delivery of the ACC-funded service?
7. How is the ACC-funded service delivered within your organisation?
8. Which ACC service requirements or operating processes support effective service delivery, and which make it harder?
9. What is the workforce requirement to deliver the ACC-funded service?
10. What recruitment or retention challenges are affecting delivery of the ACC-funded service?
11. What actions could suppliers and providers take to address workforce and capacity pressures?
12. What value does the ACC-funded service generate for clients, ACC, and the wider system?
13. How should ACC assess the value generated by the service?
14. What significant opportunities or risks are likely to affect delivery of the ACC-funded service over the next three to five years?
15. What changes, if any, should ACC consider in response?
16. Additional/supporting information