CMS issues new CPAP fee schedule

Teleflex Medical (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina) said that, effective July 1, 2007, CMS has issued a new fee schedule and HCPC reimbursement codes for the Hybrid CPAP mask. The Hybrid is an interface for use with sleep therapy systems in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Consisting of an oral cushion that covers the mouth and two nasal pillows that fit into the nostrils, the Hybrid design simultaneously addresses two common concerns with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: patient comfort and oral leaks. The Hybrid HCPC codes issued by CMS are K0553, K0554, K0555, and A7035.

Teleflex makes disposable medical products, surgical instruments and medical devices.

StatSure HIV test has completed trials

StatSure Diagnostic Systems (Framingham, Massachusetts) said that its patented, “barrel- test” format for the detection of antibodies to HIV-1/2 in human whole blood, serum, and plasma has completed the trials needed for a CLIA waiver application and that the results have been submitted to the FDA for their review. The company believes the results of these trials were consistent or superior to those of other rapid point of care products that have received a CLIA waiver. The HIV 1/2 product is marketed and distributed worldwide by Inverness Medical Innovations (Waltham, Massachusetts) under its Clearview brand as “Clearview COMPLETE HIV.”

Einstein Health named bariatric center of excellence

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network (Philadelphia) said that its weight loss surgery program, Einstein Bariatrics, has been named an American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) bariatric surgery center of excellence. This national distinction recognizes Einstein Bariatrics’ commitment to safety and long-term patient success by providing experienced and comprehensive weight loss surgery services.

“At Einstein Bariatrics, we have been extremely proud of our safety record. We have published in the medical literature some of the lowest complication rates. Most of our patients are able to go home after only an overnight stay. We are very happy that the ASBS Centers of Excellence program has recognized our track-record of good work,” said Ramsey Dallal, MD, director of Einstein Bariatrics.