FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2008
|
 |
|
REMOTE MONITORING LEGISLATION IMPORTANT STEP IN FIGHTING CHRONIC DISEASE
Technology Will Help Usher in New Era in Disease Management
|
Washington, D.C. – Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), released the following statement today following the introduction of the
Remote Monitoring Access Act by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D- CA):
“What was once only science fiction is now patient care reality. With remote monitoring technologies, a physician can evaluate and manage complex chronic diseases from remote locations and provide real-time care for patients. Unfortunately, the adoption and widespread diffusion of such innovations have been stymied by antiquated reimbursement systems.
“We applaud Rep. Eshoo’s leadership on this issue. Introduction of the
Remote Monitoring Access Act means physicians may finally be reimbursed for the remote care they provide for elderly, disabled, and rural patients, and encourage further use of these lifesaving and life-enhancing technologies that improve patient care and reduce costs.
“The legislation requires Medicare to cover remote monitoring services used to manage care for patients with congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia. It also requires CMS to work with stakeholders to develop a standard of care for using remote monitoring for those conditions.
“We are pleased the bill also establishes a demonstration program to evaluate the promise of Medicare coverage of remote monitoring services for three other serious and chronic conditions: diabetes, epilepsy and sleep apnea.
“We urge Congress to join Rep. Eshoo, Rep. Charles W. Pickering (R-MS), Rep. John Tanner (D-TN) and Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) in supporting this important bipartisan legislation and hope it is included in this year’s Medicare package.”
AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the health care technology purchased annually in the United States and more than 50 percent purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.