NATICK, Mass., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved its application for a new series of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System device reimbursement codes that apply to the Precision(R) rechargeable neurostimulator in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) setting. The new codes are effective for services performed on or after January 1, 2006.
“We are delighted that CMS recognizes the value that rechargeable neurostimulators such as the Precision(TM) SCS System offer to Medicare patients,” said Jeff Greiner, head of Boston Scientific’s Neuromodulation Group. “This favorable decision will help ensure that Medicare patients with chronic intractable pain will have access to state-of-the-art medical technology in all settings.”
CMS also recently approved New Technology Add-On Payments in the hospital inpatient setting for rechargeable neurostimulators, such as the Precision SCS System, effective on October 1, 2005.
Boston Scientific played an instrumental role in requesting creation of the new device codes from CMS and demonstrating the clinical value of its rechargeable neurostimulator for Medicare patients. The company developed the first and smallest rechargeable neurostimulator for the purpose of delivering precise pain-masking signals in an implantable device that lasts significantly longer than non-rechargeable devices.
“Rechargeable implantable neurostimulators remove the need for frequent non-rechargeable battery replacement surgery and allow substantially more programming options for treating patients with chronic intractable pain,” said Dr. John Oakley, Director of Pain Management at the Northern Rockies Pain Center in Montana and American Neuromodulation Society founding member. “I applaud CMS for taking these steps that will directly improve Medicare patient access to rechargeable neurostimulator technology.”
About the Precision(TM) SCS System
The Precision(TM) SCS system treats chronic pain by precisely delivering tiny electrical signals to the spinal cord that mask pain signals as they travel to the brain, creating instead a tingling sensation called paresthesia. Spinal cord stimulation is prescribed for patients with chronic pain in the limbs, trunk and back who have not received adequate pain relief from physical therapy, pain medications, prior surgeries or other methods. Patients interested in Precision technology can visit http://www.ControlYourPain.com for more information.
About Boston Scientific Corporation
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. Boston Scientific Advanced Bionics is a global leader in the development of implantable, high-technology neurostimulation devices that include new treatments for deafness and chronic pain. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonscientific.com and http://www.advancedbionics.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Company wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with clinical trials, the regulatory approval process, commercialization of new technologies, reimbursement policies and practices, intellectual property, competitive product offerings, and other factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Milan Kofol 508-650-8569 Investor Relations Boston Scientific Corporation Paul Donovan 508-650-8541 Media Relations Boston Scientific Corporation Boston Scientific Corporation
CONTACT: Milan Kofol, Investor Relations, +1-508-650-8569, or PaulDonovan, Media Relations, +1-508-650-8541, both of Boston ScientificCorporation
