MENLO PARK, Calif., June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclarent, Inc. announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Division of Outpatient Care determined the Relieva(TM) Sinus Balloon Catheter devices are described by HCPCS device code: C1726 Catheter, balloon dilatation, non-vascular. The Relieva Sinus Balloon Catheter technology is used during endoscopic sinus surgery to gently open blocked sinuses.
CMS reached a determination on the device C-code for the Relieva Sinus Balloon Catheter technology following discussions with clinical experts using the technology and a review of endoscopic sinus procedures’ vignettes. Bill Facteau, President of Acclarent said, “The Agency’s decision is consistent with feedback we received from CMS Medical Officers who felt that the use of Sinus Balloon Catheters didn’t represent a new procedure. They explained that the existing CPT procedure codes for sinus surgery (e.g., 31256, 31276, and 31287) weren’t developed for any one technology or surgical tool.”
“We are very pleased with CMS’ decision that hospitals should bill the device C-code. Billing C1726 for Sinus Balloon Catheters together with the existing CPT codes for sinus surgery provides a means for facilities to track and report hospital outpatient charges for Relieva Sinus Balloon Catheters,” stated Mr. Facteau.
Although billing for most device C-codes, including C1726, may not generate immediate additional Medicare payment for hospitals, it can affect future payment levels as new device costs are identified and included in data used to establish these rates.
Mr. Facteau added, “The device coding determination for Relieva Sinus Balloon Catheters is another positive step taken by CMS toward improving claims data accuracy and payment rates by requiring hospitals to bill for device category C-codes. Hospitals should include code C1726 when they use Relieva Sinus Balloon Catheter devices for Medicare patients undergoing outpatient sinus surgery. Some private payers accept C-codes and facilities should contact their payers to determine if these codes may be used.”
About Acclarent, Inc.
Acclarent is a leading developer of innovative medical devices for Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists and their patients. A private company based in Menlo Park, California, we are focused on advancing novel treatment options in all areas of Otolaryngology.
Acclarent and Relieva are trademarks of Acclarent, Inc. (C)2006 Acclarent, Inc. All rights reserved.
Acclarent, Inc.
CONTACT: Acclarent, Inc., +1-650-687-5888, acclarent@acclarent.com
Web site: http://www.acclarent.com/
