Medicare Increases Reimbursement Rates for ECP Therapy in 2008 Noninvasive Cardiac Therapy Recognized for Added Value

ScottCare Corporation, a Cleveland-based leader in non-invasive cardiology products, announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has significantly increased reimbursement levels for external counterpulsation (ECP) therapy in 2008.

Effective immediately, the new rates for the first six months of 2008 result in a new national average physician fee payment level of $156.16 per session for ECP therapy -- an increase of 6.2% over the 2007 payment rate. This increase results in a total national average physician fee payment rate of $5,465.60 for a course of therapy.

The national average reimbursement rate for ECP therapy administered in the hospital outpatient setting also increased for 2008 to $109.47 per session, or 2.3% higher than the rate for 2007. This increase results in a national average hospital outpatient payment rate of $3,831.45 for a course of therapy.

"While reimbursements for other cardiology services continue to decline, we are pleased that the 2008 CMS fee schedule reflects the increasing value of ECP therapy," says Ken Zajaczkowski, President of ScottCare Corporation. "ECP is extremely effective for improving the quality of life for patients who are not amenable to more invasive forms of treatment."

NICORE ECP systems are used by hundreds of hospitals and office practices across the country, providing clinicians with a proven, non-invasive cardiac care therapy to improve the health and quality of life for cardiac patients. Clinical studies have demonstrated that ECP therapy benefits more than 80% of patients treated, with significant improvement in relief of the symptoms of angina and heart failure, increased functional capacity, and reduced dependence on medication.

For more information on ScottCare's NICORE Advantage ECP technology, call 1-800-243-9412, ext. 128, or visit www.scottcare.com.

About ScottCare Corporation

ScottCare Corporation is a leader in non-invasive cardiology diagnosis, therapy and monitoring. Since 1989, ScottCare has manufactured quality medical devices serving cardiopulmonary professionals. By cost-effectively applying state-of-the-art technology, the company offers the most versatile and powerful systems on the market. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, ScottCare is a division of the Scott Fetzer Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska.

Medicare Increases Reimbursement Rates for ECP Therapy in 2008 Noninvasive Cardiac Therapy Recognized for Added Value

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Medicare Increases Reimbursement Rates for ECP Therapy in 2008 Noninvasive Cardiac Therapy Recognized for Added Value

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