AdvaMed Outlines 2008 Device Industry Priorities

AdvaMed is expecting several medical device initiatives to see action in Congress this year as part of a Medicare package.

At its annual press briefing, the industry group outlined its advocacy plans for 2008 involving reimbursement, regulations and international issues.

The group identified reimbursement for remote monitoring technology as a key legislative initiative this year. Physicians are not reimbursed for remotely interacting with patients using a device to perform a therapy or upload information.

Working through technical issues, such as coding, will provide the momentum for adding a reimbursement provision to a Medicare bill this year, Stephen Ubl, AdvaMed president and CEO, said.

Molecular diagnostic tests also might get some attention in a Medicare bill in 2008. The group is working on a demonstration project for these tests that is “picking up a lot of momentum as well,” Ubl said. He added that this is a long overdue, modest-cost item with a good shot for inclusion in a Medicare package.