Medical Devices Today

HHS IG Urges Medicare To Crack Down On Negative Pressure Pump Payments

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - March 23, 2009

Find out how CMS will consider whether it has sufficient data to curb payments for negative pressure wound therapy pumps, the agency said in response to a March 19 report by the HHS Office of Inspector General.

White House Health Official Supports Cost-Effectiveness Research

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - February 09, 2009

Find out how Jeanne Lambrew, President Obama's top health policy expert, said comparative cost information on medical treatments could be a useful part of overall health care reform.

Six Firms Apply For FY 2010 New Technology Add-On Payments

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - December 1, 2008

Find out how CMS has received four new applications for new technology add-on payments for fiscal 2010, plus two re-applications for devices that were considered last year.

CT Colonography Screening Shows Promise If Cost Lowered, MedCAC Says

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - November 24, 2008

Find out how computed tomography colonography shows promise as a colorectal cancer screening tool comparable to optical colonoscopy, and could be covered under Medicare, but the price per procedure would have to be lowered, members of a CMS advisory panel agreed Nov. 19.

Oxygen Suppliers Get Less-Than-Expected Maintenance Help From Medicare

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - November 10, 2008 

 

Find out how CMS threw oxygen equipment firms a curve ball in its final 2009 physician payment regulations by implementing recently-enacted statutory language in a way that reduces reimbursement.

2009 Payment Rules: Gainsharing Plan Put Off, Electrode Cuts Remain

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - November 3, 2008

Find out how CMS issued final 2009 rules for its physician fee schedule and hospital outpatient/ambulatory surgical center prospective payment system Oct. 30, pulling back on some controversial proposals and holding firm on others.

Cyberonics Urges CMS Panel To Block Proposed Reduction In VNS Payment

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - September 2, 2008

Find out why Cyberonics says CMS' proposed payment cuts for the company's Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) System will prevent some epilepsy patients from accessing the seizure control therapy.

GAO: Prior Authorization For Medicare Imaging Scans Should Be On The Table

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - July 21, 2008

Find out why the Government Accountability Office is recommending that CMS consider adopt a gatekeeper "prior authorization" payment policy to curtail the rapid growth of Medicare spending on imaging services.

Medicare Agency Sets Sights On “Overvalued” Doctor Supplies, Procedures

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - July 7, 2008

CMS is trying to identify overpaid supplies and procedures in its ¹proposal for the 2009 physician fee schedule, released June 30.

Neurotechnology Needs Better Outcomes Measures, Diagnostics – VC Investors

Find how the development and regulatory approval of new drugs and devices for treating diseases of the brain is hindered by the inadequacy of existing diagnostics and outcome measures, according to venture capitalists who spoke at a recent neurotech industry forum.