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Helius Medical Technologies, Inc., a neurotech company focused on delivering a novel therapeutic neuromodulation approach for balance and gait deficits, announced its first reimbursement payment from a major healthcare provider, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, for its PoNS Device.
“The first reimbursement from a commercial healthcare provider is a significant achievement for Helius and MS patients. The payment at out-of-network adjusted list price further validates the therapeutic benefit of PoNS and its economic value for payers,” said Dane Andreeff, Helius president and chief executive officer. “This is an important milestone in the pursuit of third-party reimbursement and coverage and as we appeal the current CMS payment rates. We will remain steadfast in prioritizing increased patient access to support more MS patients and drive growth of the business.”
“Importantly, this was an out-of-network total lump sum reimbursement payment, which typically is 30 to 40% below in-network contracted payment rates. Therefore, we believe this reimbursement payment, including patient co-payment, of $15,420 for the PoNS controller and mouthpiece establishes an important benchmark as we approach major commercial insurance carriers to negotiate reimbursement payment rates for PoNS,” concluded Andreeff.
The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) is an innovative, non-implantable, orally applied therapy that delivers neurostimulation through a mouthpiece connected to a controller while it’s used, primarily at home, with physical rehabilitation exercise, to improve balance and gait. The PoNS device, which delivers mild electrical impulses to the tongue, is indicated for use in the United States as a short-term treatment of gait deficit due to mild-to-moderate symptoms from multiple sclerosis (MS) and is to be used as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program in patients 22 years of age and over by prescription only.
PoNS has shown effectiveness in treating gait or balance and a significant reduction in the risk of falling in stroke patients in Canada, where it received authorization for sale in three indications: (i) for use as a short-term treatment (14 weeks) of gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms from stroke and is to be used in conjunction with physical therapy; (ii) for use as a short-term treatment (14 weeks) of chronic balance deficit due to mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (mmTBI) and is to be used in conjunction with physical therapy; and (iii) for use as a short-term treatment (14 weeks) of gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms from MS and is to be used in conjunction with physical therapy. PoNS is also authorized for sale in Australia for short term use by healthcare professionals as an adjunct to a therapeutic exercise program to improve balance and gait.
Helius Medical Technologies is a leading neurotech company in the medical device field focused on neurologic deficits using orally applied technology platform that amplifies the brain’s ability to engage physiologic compensatory mechanisms and promote neuroplasticity, improving the lives of people dealing with neurologic diseases.
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