Insightec touts reimbursement win for Exablate

Insightec said today it received positive coverage policies from Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees for its Exablate magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound device for pain palliation treatments for bone metastases

The recent round of favorable coverage policies for the Exablate came from BCBS Louisiana, Florida Blue, Independence BCBS, Highmark BCBS and Blue Shield of California, the Israel-based company said.

“Decisions from leading insurers to cover Insightec’s treatment are a welcome recognition of the demonstrated clinical benefits for Insightec’s completely non-invasive treatment for patients suffering from pain related to their bone metastases. By formalizing favorable coverage policies, BCBS plans are providing a viable treatment option for many more patients and physicians,” CEO Kobi Vortman said in a press release.

The Exablate system uses both focused ultrasound to ablate fibroid tissue and magnetic resonance imaging to guide the ultrasound ablation to specific tissue targets, the company said.

“We are very happy that our work continues to yield  favorable decisions which will enable patients suffering from metastatic bone pain access to a non-invasive treatment that quickly reduces pain, allows return to normal activities within days and is available in leading medical centers across the U.S.. We are continuously conducting independent, post-market studies in efforts to build support for additional coverage by insurers,” reimbursement veep Dee Kolanek said in prepared remarks.

In October, Insightec said it won expanded FDA premarket approval for its next generation Exablate system used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids for patients who wish to retain their uterus and fertility.

The approval was based upon documented clinical data from 118 patients who became pregnant after receiving treatment with the Exablate device, Insightec said.

The Exablate system was 1st approved by the FDA in 2009. The expansion and approval of the next generation machine was the second labeling adjustment since initial approval, the company said.

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