Olympus Announces Two New Category I CPT Codes for the iTind Procedure

Rhea-AI Summary

Olympus Corporation announces the issuance of two new CPT codes for the iTind procedure by the American Medical Association.

Positive

• The issuance of two new Category I CPT codes for the iTind procedure represents a major reimbursement milestone, standardizing and streamlining the reimbursement process.
• The iTind procedure provides rapid and effective relief of LUTS secondary to BPH through a routinely catheter-free procedure that preserves sexual function.

Negative

• There are potential risks associated with the implantation of the iTind device, including pelvic discomfort, blood in urine, painful or urgent urination, urinary tract infection, and sudden difficulty to urinate.

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. , Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus Corporation, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling, announced today that the American Medical Association (AMA) will issue two new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) codes for the iTind^™ procedure, a minimally invasive treatment for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The release of these two new Category I CPT codes represents a major reimbursement milestone for the iTind procedure that will standardize and streamline the reimbursement process. CPT codes are granted and maintained by the AMA CPT Editorial Panel and are used by government payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and commercial health plans to describe healthcare services and procedures for reimbursement. The two new CPT codes for the iTind procedure will go into effect on or after January 1, 2025. In the meantime, physicians will continue to use the unlisted code for billing purposes. Facilities will continue to use C-code, C9769, established by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. 

According to the results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial, treatment with the iTind procedure provides rapid and effective relief of LUTS secondary to BPH through a routinely catheter-free procedure that preserves sexual function.ⁱ As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. Implantation of the iTind device may cause pelvic discomfort, blood in urine, painful or urgent urination. In rare cases, the iTind device may cause urinary tract infection or a sudden difficulty to urinate. The iTind procedure is indicated for men aged 50 and above.

Patients who are candidates for the iTind procedure may be assisted in navigating medical insurance systems through the Olympus UNITE program. Olympus UNITE may include services such as pre-authorization and patient appeals services, strategic reimbursement support, and hotlines to support coverage, coding, and payment concerns. Healthcare providers, insurance staff, and patients with questions about the program should email olympusunite@priahealthcare.com.

About Olympus
At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states.

For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit medical.olympusamerica.com.

ⁱ Chughtai B, Elterman D, Shore N, Gittleman M, Motola J, Pike S, Hermann C, Terrens W, Kohan A, Gonzalez RR, Katz A, Schiff J, Goldfischer E, Grunberger I, Tu LM, Alshak MN, Kaminetzky J. The iTind Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Urology. 2021 Jul;153:270-276. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.022. Epub 2020 Dec 26. PMID: 33373708.

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SOURCE Olympus

FAQ

What is the significance of the issuance of the new CPT codes for the iTind procedure?

The issuance of the new CPT codes represents a major reimbursement milestone, streamlining the reimbursement process.

What are the potential risks associated with the iTind procedure?

Potential risks include pelvic discomfort, blood in urine, painful or urgent urination, urinary tract infection, and sudden difficulty to urinate.

What is the age range for patients who are candidates for the iTind procedure?

The iTind procedure is indicated for men aged 50 and above.

What support does the Olympus UNITE program provide for patients?

The Olympus UNITE program may include services such as pre-authorization and patient appeals services, strategic reimbursement support, and hotlines to support coverage, coding, and payment concerns.

How can healthcare providers, insurance staff, and patients inquire about the Olympus UNITE program?

They can email olympusunite@priahealthcare.com for inquiries about the program.