Olympus today announced positive changes to commercial payer policies covering patients who could benefit from its iTind procedure.
iTind treats symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate.
Aetna updated its Clinical Policy Bulletin 0079 for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia to include the iTind procedure as medically necessary in cases where the prostate volume is between 25 and 75 g, and there is a lack of obstruction in the median lobe. This policy update affects 25 million lives covered nationwide. Also, regional policy updates affect approximately 2 million more enrollees, Olympus said in a news release. These updates span three health plans in Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington, DC.
Olympus said the policy changes remove barriers to access for physicians who recommend the iTind procedure. It increases the likelihood of iTind coverage, potentially fostering greater adoption.
The iTind procedure involves the placement of a temporary implanted nitinol device that reshapes the prostatic urethra. It does this without burning or cutting the prostate. Device placement can occur in an outpatient setting or physician’s office.
The Olympus device remains in place for five to seven days while the patient stays at home. Upon removal, patients experience rapid and effective relief of their symptoms. Olympus acquired iTind when it acquired Medi-Tate, now a wholly-owned subsidiary, in May 2021.
It offers an alternative to pharmaceutical therapy, surgeries and permanent implants. Olympus said it’s proven to relieve symptoms without affecting sexual and ejaculatory function or urinary continence.
“We are very pleased to see these positive coverage updates for the iTind procedure,” said Paul Skodny, Executive Director for Health Economics and Market Access at Olympus Corporation. “Olympus is committed to supporting physicians and patients in accessing recommended and proven BPH therapies like the iTind procedure.”
