Nothing Tough to Swallow About This Data

This study suggests that perception may be short-sighted in that insurance plans can provide better care for their GERD patients at a similar cost to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication when you factor in the greater reductions in medical costs after the procedure.”  The study, presented this week at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting in Baltimore, MD, found that the reduced medical costs associated with the Linx procedure compared to LNF more than offset the higher cost the cost difference. The study was partially funded by Ethicon, part of Johnson & Johnson, which acquired the technology in 2017. Highmark Healths Vital Innovation Program collaborated on the research. The prospective observational study was performed at Highmark Health’s Allegheny Health Network, a health system serving western Pennsylvania, in conjunction with Highmark Inc., the region’s largest health insurance company. Researchers compared the total procedural cost and the disease-related and overall medical claim costs 12 months before and 12 months after a Linx procedure (180 patients) or LNF (1,131 patients).  The study found the mean per member per month (PMPM) medical reimbursement claims related to upper gastrointestinal disease one year after Linx dropped by 66%  ($305 to $104) compared to 46% ($233 to $126) after LNF. Overall PMPM medical reimbursement claims d...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Implants Source Type: news