YOQNEAM, Israel—Given Imaging, a provider of specialty GI products and a pioneer of capsule endoscopy, this week announced that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has issued reimbursement codes for the PillCam Patency Capsule. This is for use with PillCam SB® and the PillCam SB video capsule for expanded indications for patients with known or suspected small bowel disease, including the visualization and diagnosis of Crohn's disease. PillCam SB may now be used as a first-line tool without the need for upper or lower endoscopy.
Reimbursement of the PillCam Patency Capsule and for expanded indications for PillCam SB in Japan is effective for the entire 105-million adult population as of July 1, 2012. Given Imaging is the only company offering the PillCam Patency Capsule to gastroenterologists in Japan. Given Imaging reported.
"Most of our patients prefer PillCam SB as it is less invasive than other diagnostic methods and allows them to continue their normal daily activities," said Dr. Akira Terano, MD, PhD, emeritus president, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan and Chairman, Japan Association for Capsule Endoscopy. "We thank the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for making it easier for people suffering from GI disorders of the small bowel to undergo this valuable procedure so that we can detect and treat their conditions."
"Reimbursement for expanded PillCam SB indications in Japan represents one of the broadest PillCam SB coverage policies in the world," said Homi Shamir, president and CEO, Given Imaging Ltd. "Our team in Japan will be working diligently to ensure that the medical community is aware of these new codes, which mean better access to PillCam SB for patients."
