cino. Many patients
who undergo the
procedures don't
require as many pro-
ton pump inhibitors
to manage their dis-
ease, but they also
can't get off the
medications entirely.
That might be why
some of the endo-
scopic therapies
have not emerged as
widespread treat-
ment options, but
part of that slow
growth can also be
blamed on hesitant insurers that are pumping the brakes on paying
for the promising procedures.
"They're basing reimbursement policies on the subpar performances
of devices that are no longer on the market," says Dr. Schwaitzberg.
"Payers lump these therapies, regardless of whether or not they have
CPT codes, into experimental status."
Approval from insurance carriers for endoscopic therapies remains
spotty and varies by state and even by region, adds Dr. Schwaitzberg.
"Just because a procedure has a CPT code doesn't mean insurers are
going to pay for it," he says. "Payment barriers have impeded more
widespread adoption of endoscopic treatments even though they're
effective interventions for patients with mild to moderate reflux dis-
ease."
A P R I L 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 1
• TIED IN KNOTS Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication remains the go-to surgical treat-
ment, but endoscopic interventions show plenty of promise.
