CMS approves CPT codes for prostatic lift system

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved two new Category I CPT codes for the UroLift system, a treatment for BPH, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Category I status, which is reserved for procedures consistent with contemporary medical practice and performed by many physicians in multiple locations, was awarded based on a number of peer-reviewed publications detailing top-tier clinical studies of the UroLift implant procedure, according to NeoTract, Inc., maker of the UroLift.

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CPT codes 52441 and 52442 were approved by the American Medical Association to describe the UroLift transprostatic implant procedure, also known as prostatic urethral lift. Because of the minimally invasive nature of the treatment, the new codes have been assigned a zero-day global period, NeoTract said.

“The establishment of CMS reimbursement for UroLift is a major milestone for NeoTract and the clinical community, and comes on the heels of positive coverage decisions from Aetna and Coventry earlier this year,” Dave Amerson, president and CEO of NeoTract, said in a statement. “We are excited about the opportunity this presents for millions of men in the U.S. who are suffering from the symptoms of enlarged prostate, which often greatly impacts quality of life.”

In clinical studies, the UroLift demonstrated rapid and durable relief from the urinary symptoms associated with BPH without compromising sexual function. Treatment involves an outpatient procedure with no cutting, heating, or removing of prostate tissue, NeoTract said.

Descriptions of the two new CPT codes are as follows:

52441: Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of permanent adjustable transprostatic implant; single implant

52442: Each additional permanent adjustable transprostatic implant (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).

More on BPH

‘Lift’ offers durable improvement in LUTS at 2 years

5-ARI treatment linked to decline in sexual function

Study: Safety, efficacy similar between PVP, TURP

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