New expert advisory group to strengthen how ACC funds treatments

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We’ve formed a new expert advisory group (EAG) to review and provide feedback on evidence-based position statements on treatment funding decisions. These statements outline ACC’s position on when we’re likely, or unlikely, to fund certain treatments, which will give providers clearer guidance on funding decisions and the reasoning behind them.

The goal of this work is to make treatment funding decisions more consistent, evidence-based, and aligned with ACC’s legislative requirements under Schedule 1, Clause 2 of the Accident Compensation Act 2001. This means ensuring the treatments we fund are necessary and appropriate, safe, and directly related to the client’s ACC-covered injury and rehabilitation outcomes. 

What the EAG does 

The EAG's role is to review and provide feedback on ACC’s organisational positions and the practical implementation in New Zealand. Our position statements were derived from clinical-based guidelines that have been internationally endorsed and peer-reviewed by external experts. 

First topic under review 

The first treatment the EAG will be exploring is lumbar spinal fusion surgery. This will be followed by knee arthroscopy surgery, which will be reviewed by a separate EAG. 

Who’s involved 

The EAG consists of senior clinicians from different health disciplines. Our EAG members will work alongside ACC experts to support an independent and balanced review. 

The following professions and expertise are represented on the EAG:

• Physiotherapist
• GP
• Orthopaedic surgeon (spinal or knee, depending on the treatment being reviewed)
• Specialist pain medicine physician
• Occupational physician
• Clinical psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Academic clinician
• Social needs/tikanga
• Informed consumer 

EAG engagement will run from March to June 2026, using a modified Delphi process.