The TPT payment, effective Jan. 1, 2024, will last for 24–36 months, allowing incremental reimbursement for outpatient procedures using the device.
The aScope 5 Broncho HD series is Ambu’s latest generation of single-use bronchoscope. Cleared by the FDA in 2022, it has advanced imaging and design features, including a new high-resolution camera chip. It’s part of a single-use portfolio that Ambu has grown over the past 14 years to include 10 different bronchoscopy models designed to meet patient needs in interventional pulmonology, critical care medicine, and anesthesia and airway management. T
Ambu said the TPT was granted to the aScope 5 Broncho HD series because it fit CMS criteria, which included demonstrating a substantial clinical improvement over existing single-use and reusable bronchoscopy technology.
“When Ambu launched the aScope 5 series in late 2022, our intent was to deliver on the request of healthcare providers for a superior single-use bronchoscope that could finally compare with advanced reusable devices,” Steven Block, president of Ambu North America, said in a news release.
“We’re appreciative of CMS recognizing this opportunity for expanding access to innovation for Medicare patients, as bronchoscopy is a key technology for the management of lower airway diseases — from lung cancer diagnosis to lung valve placements to post-lung transplant performance. Ambu is committed to offering providers and patients innovations that save lives and improve patient care.”
Christina Cool, senior director of health economics, outcomes research, and market access at Ambu, said that TPT for single-use endoscopy has historically been about expanded access to safe, sterile single-use devices that have different cost structures than reusable devices. “In this case, the granting of TPT was also about the advanced performance currently unique to aScope 5 Broncho HD, which was necessary to meet the newness and significant clinical improvement criteria. We’re thrilled as this is a giant step in providing physicians with a superior technology to treat patients.”