Expanded Access to NEUROMARK® for Chronic Rhinitis Patients
Effective immediately, CPT 31242 is no longer considered experimental, marking a significant milestone for ENT physicians treating chronic rhinitis.
Neurent Medical has announced exciting news for patients suffering from chronic rhinitis. UnitedHealthcare has updated its Medicare Advantage policy, which now removes CPT 31242 for posterior nasal nerve ablation using radiofrequency from its list of experimental and investigational procedures. This change means that over 10 million patients can access the NEUROMARK® system, helping to alleviate chronic rhinitis symptoms.
This update follows closely behind a similar coverage announcement from Cigna, which began on September 15. It represents a major advancement in patient access to innovative treatment solutions for chronic rhinitis, demonstrating an increase in payer recognition of the value this procedure brings to patients. Although the update does not detail the specific clinical indications for coverage, it effectively eliminates previous administrative hurdles that prevented healthcare providers from utilizing this treatment option for UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
Brian Shields, CEO of Neurent Medical, expressed his support for this policy shift. "UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage policy change reinforces the clinical need for effective, minimally invasive treatments. We are dedicated to collaborating with both payers and healthcare providers to ensure that patients dealing with chronic rhinitis have the means to access solutions that enhance their quality of life while reducing dependence on long-term medications," he shared.
The NEUROMARK® System provides a cutting-edge solution by delivering impedance-controlled, low-power radiofrequency (RF) energy to disrupt the corresponding parasympathetic nerve signals. This treatment targets key symptoms often associated with chronic rhinitis, such as persistent nasal congestion and rhinorrhea (a runny nose).
"This change in policy from UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage is an important achievement for our specialty," noted Dr. Marc Dubin, MD, FACS. "By removing unnecessary barriers, ENTs are better equipped to provide evidence-based care, helping patients finally attain relief from their chronic rhinitis symptoms."
Key Points for Providers:
- CPT 31242 is no longer classified as investigational by UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage.
- The policy promotes a more streamlined access to NEUROMARK for eligible patients.
Healthcare providers and patients can find UnitedHealthcare's updated medical policy details online. For more comprehensive information about the NEUROMARK® system, providers are encouraged to reach out to their local Neurent Medical Sales Representatives.
About Neurent Medical
Neurent Medical is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for chronic inflammatory sinonasal diseases. The company focuses on safely targeting and disrupting hyperactive autonomic nerves that contribute to inflammation. Their proprietary NEUROMARK® technology features a unique design and advanced algorithmic control, enabling physicians to precisely target and disrupt multiple nerve branches in one procedure, alleviating chronic rhinitis symptoms and enhancing patients' quality of life. This venture capital-backed company operates from Galway, Ireland, with a U.S. headquarters in Braintree, Massachusetts. For additional details, you can visit their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes did UnitedHealthcare make regarding NEUROMARK®?
UnitedHealthcare removed CPT 31242 from its experimental list, allowing broader access for chronic rhinitis patients.
How many patients are now eligible for NEUROMARK® treatments?
Over 10 million patients with chronic rhinitis can now access NEUROMARK® under the updated policy.
What is NEUROMARK® used for?
NEUROMARK® is designed to treat chronic rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion and a runny nose, by targeting underlying nerve signals.
How does NEUROMARK® work?
The system uses low-power radiofrequency energy to disrupt parasympathetic signals that contribute to rhinitis symptoms.
Who can benefit from NEUROMARK® treatment?
Patients suffering from chronic rhinitis, particularly those who have struggled with traditional treatment options, can benefit significantly from this procedure.
