CMS pushes ahead with AMD (age-related macular degeneration) policy:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
New US reimbursement policy for a procedure to treat the occult form of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is proceeding, says the US Vitreous Society, an association specialising in retinal diseases. The society, which requested the change late last month, says the new policy is being implemented cautiously, as the drug in question, Visudyne (verteporfin), has not yet gained US approval for the indication (see Clinica No 981, p 11). The procedure involves using the drug in combination with a laser. The therapy has been designed by Novartis Ophthalmics (Atlanta, Georgia) and Canada's QLT (Vancouver). CLINICA -World Medical Device & Diagnostic News FILED 5 November 2001 COPYRIGHT 2001 PJB Publications Ltd