Encourages Continuation of Awareness-Building among Key Groups and General Public.
SOMERSET, NJ November 5 –On October 31, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced via final rule that auditory osseointegrated implants (AOIs) are not hearing aids and therefore will remain a covered benefit for those Medicare enrollees with qualifying indications.
For Oticon Medical, the ruling reflects the success of a concerted effort by professional organizations, bone anchored hearing device providers, industry and advocacy groups to educate policy makers to the value of bone anchored implants in advance of proposed CMS changes to withdraw coverage for bone anchored hearing devices. It has also renewed the company’s determination to expand understanding and appreciation of bone anchored implants among medical and hearing care professionals, insurance providers, regulators and the general public.
“Friday’s decision by CMS is a victory for many new and existing users of Ponto and other bone anchored hearing solutions who will continue to have access to this proven and effective treatment for conductive or mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness,” said Curt Gorman, President, Oticon Medical LLC. “Oticon Medical is proud to have contributed to the success of the collective efforts by mobilizing our resources and networks to drive awareness. Now, we encourage everyone to build on the momentum of this victory to continue to expand awareness of the benefits of bone anchored implants.”
Oticon Medical plans to increase targeted outreach efforts that have actively engaged with professional groups to increase awareness of the newest advances in implant technology. The company’s annual Scientific Conferences create unique opportunities to share and acquire new competencies, skills, theoretical foundations and methods with the potential to increase patient acceptance and satisfaction now and in the future.
Oticon Medical also works closely with advocacy and consumer groups to increase access to grassroots information about bone anchored implants for both professionals and consumers. The company’s annual Patient Advocacy Summit brings together leading advocates and ambassadors to explore ways to enhance social media, networking, support groups and other means of disseminating information to better meet the needs of people with conductive and mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness.
“We want to ensure that everyone who has the potential to benefit from bone anchored implants has access to the information and the support they need,” says Gorman. “As the success of the CMS initiative proves – by working together with our professional partners and consumer advocates, we have the power to open a world of sound to people through access to innovative implant solutions that improve quality of life now and in the future.”
To learn more about Oticon Medical and the Ponto System, a full range of bone anchored sound processors, wireless accessories, implant and surgical components, visit www.OticonMedical.com or the Oticon Medical Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
