On March 11, 2020, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) co-hosted a summit on reimbursement strategies for focused ultrasound. The purpose of the meeting was to create a roadmap for focused ultrasound reimbursement and coverage, as well as identify barriers and challenges for clinical adoption. The summit convened the four focused ultrasound manufacturers that produce devices already cleared by the US FDA.
As reported after the summit, approximately 25 industry representatives and advocacy staff met in Washington, DC, to hear presentations and engage in open discussion to identify barriers, brainstorm solutions for shared challenges, and share reimbursement and coverage efforts.
The content from the summit was captured in a white paper that is now available on our website. This document includes a high-level overview of several of the components that affect reimbursement: FDA approval pathways; the complex role of charges and costs; and coding. Attendees identified critical next steps that could help secure more rapid reimbursement, allowing patients access to innovative focused ultrasound treatments.
The Foundation is already taking action based on these recommendations, including launching a webinar series and beginning work on a reimbursement framework for the community.