CMS issues two codes for BPH implant procedure

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued two new codes that describe the UroLift implant procedure for the treatment of enlarged prostate in the April 2014 Update of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

Effective April 1, 2014, hospitals will be able to request Medicare reimbursement for the UroLift procedure using these newly issued specific Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, NeoTract, Inc. announced. The UroLift System was cleared for use by the FDA in September 2013.

“We very much welcome the issuance of specific codes for the UroLift implant system,” said Ricardo Gonzalez, MD, urologist at Houston Metro Urology in Texas. “This procedure offers certain men suffering from an enlarged prostate an important alternative treatment that effectively addresses their symptoms while avoiding risks associated with other treatment options and importantly, preserves sexual function.”

The UroLift System permanent implants, delivered during a minimally invasive procedure, treat BPH by acting like window curtain tie-backs to hold the lobes of an enlarged prostate open. According to NeoTract, patients recover from the procedure quickly, and return to their normal routines with minimal downtime.

Dr. Gonzalez has served as an investigator for American Medical Systems, Inc. and a meeting participant/lecturer for GlaxoSmithKline, Watson, and Astellas Pharma.

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