AutoloGel System regulatory update

Cytomedix said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final rules covering reimbursement for Cytomedix's AutoloGel System, which isolates and activates platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a patient's own blood and is then used to produce a gel for use on exuding wounds. CMS designated a national average rate of $411 per treatment for the reimbursement code assigned to AutoloGel for use in the hospital outpatient setting. Cytomedix said that "CMS also made it clear that this payment level will be reviewed annually, allowing for the incorporation of resource utilization data collected throughout 2014 to potentially enhance future payment decisions." Additionally, CMS issued a final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) rule directing Medicare administrative contractors to determine the payment amount for AutoloGel System for claims submitted from physician offices. According to Cytomedix, Medicare contractors pay claims based on invoices from the healthcare provider. The final MPFS payment level is consistent with the proposed rule issued by CMS in July. The final rules take effect on Jan. 1 (see BioCentury, July 15). ...