Humana broadens coverage for innovative outpatient treatment by Insightec. In a significant move aimed at increasing patient access to state-of-the-art healthcare solutions, Insightec, a global healthcare trailblazer utilizing acoustic energy to redefine patient care, has unveiled a significant development. Humana, a prominent healthcare payer in the United States, has officially become the fifth national insurance provider to offer coverage for the pioneering focused ultrasound treatment created to address medication-resistant essential tremors, marking a significant milestone in the field.
Humana’s Decision To Embrace This Approach
Humana's decision to embrace this innovative approach to treating essential tremors has been lauded as a momentous stride forward in patient care. Dee Kolanek, Insightec's Vice President of Market Access and Reimbursement, expressed her contentment, stating, "We are delighted that this favorable decision will expand access to focused ultrasound for a broader range of commercial patients. We extend our gratitude to esteemed insurers such as Humana for their efforts in extending coverage for this groundbreaking outpatient treatment designed for essential tremor patients."
Essential tremor is a widespread movement disorder afflicting approximately ten million Americans, resulting in involuntary and often incapacitating tremors. For patients whose tremors remain unresponsive to conventional medications, MR-guided focused ultrasound offers a ray of hope in the form of a solitary outpatient procedure. This treatment has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, with numerous patients witnessing immediate improvements in their tremors, frequently without complications. Essential tremors typically manifest on both sides of the body, and the FDA has sanctioned focused ultrasound for bilateral treatment. Eligible patients can undergo a subsequent treatment on the opposite side, with a mandated minimum nine-month interval between sessions.
Tremor Patients Will Have Access
Maurice R. Ferré MD, Chairman, and CEO of Insightec's Board of Directors, commended Humana's coverage decision, remarking, "This coverage decision serves as a testament to the continued progress in our pursuit of expanding access to this transformative treatment, and we extend our gratitude to Humana for becoming a part of this endeavor. Now, a larger population of essential tremor patients will have access to a treatment that empowers them to regain their independence."
Humana's adoption of focused ultrasound treatment is a substantial addition to the growing list of national payors endorsing this cutting-edge solution. Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association had previously issued favorable coverage decisions in January 2023, December 2022, April 2021, and August 2018, respectively. Furthermore, Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for focused ultrasound treatment tailored for medication-resistant essential tremors in all 50 states.
Groundbreaking Treatment Furthered By Treatment Centers
The accessibility of this groundbreaking treatment is further accentuated by the proliferation of treatment centers across the United States. Presently, there are over 50 treatment centers nationwide and more than 125 globally that rely on Insightec's Exablate® Neuro platform to address essential tremors.
Humana's decision to extend coverage for MR-guided focused ultrasound treatment marks a momentous leap in the ongoing effort to enhance the lives of individuals grappling with essential tremors. This development, accompanied by the endorsement of other leading insurers and the support of Medicare, ensures that patients across the nation gain access to a transformative treatment offering optimism for a future free from tremors. The continued global expansion of treatment centers underscores the increasing influence of Insightec's inventive approach to healthcare, firmly establishing its position at the forefront of patient care transformation.
In this age of rapid advancements in medical technology, Humana's dedication to embracing groundbreaking treatments like focused ultrasound highlights the company's unwavering commitment to the welfare of its members and its relentless pursuit of the latest healthcare innovations. With Humana leading the way, more patients can look forward to reclaiming control over their lives, liberated from the constraints imposed by essential tremors, all thanks to the groundbreaking advancements pioneered by Insightec.
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