90-Day Global Surgical Period Eliminated for Application of OASIS® Product Line

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthpoint Biotherapeutics today advised that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has eliminated the physician 90-day global surgical period for the application of all skin and dermal substitutes, including OASIS® Wound Matrix and OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix. Additionally, the American Medical Association has created eight new CPT® codes that apply to brands in the skin substitute category, resulting in the same Medicare allowable rates for the application of all covered brands of skin and dermal substitutes. 

"We welcome the 2012 coding changes, and in particular the removal of the 90-day global surgical period, as these updates will provide physicians greater flexibility to incorporate versatile therapeutic options, such as the OASIS® line of products, into their clinical practice," noted Travis E. Baugh, President and Chief Operating Officer of Healthpoint Biotherapeutics.

In November 2011, CMS released the modifications to the Healthcare Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) that became effective on January 1, 2012. One of those HCPCS modifications was assignment of a brand-specific level II HCPCS code to OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix (Q4124), which applies in all settings, unless directed otherwise by the Medicare contractor. 

As the latest coding changes took effect on January 1, 2012, it is important that healthcare providers monitor their local coverage determinations (LCDs) regularly for updates affecting the use of skin and dermal substitutes in their clinical practice.

For more information on the coding changes affecting the OASIS® product line, healthcare professionals may call 1-877-805-5005 to reach Healthpoint's Navigating Wound Care Reimbursement Hotline.Healthcare providers may also log on to http://www.woundsresearch.com/2012Reimbursement to register for the upcoming webcast, "An Update on Coding and Payment Changes in 2012: Medicare Reimbursement for Skin and Dermal Substitutes." The webcast will be delivered by Kathleen D. Schaum, Director, Medical Products Reimbursement for Healthpoint Biotherapeutics on February 1st, 7th, and 8th, 2012.

About OASIS® Wound Matrix and OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix

OASIS® Wound Matrix and OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix are indicated for the management of wounds, including surgical wounds (donor sites/grafts, post-Mohs' surgery, post-laser surgery, podiatric, wound dehiscence), partial- and full-thickness wounds, trauma wounds (including second-degree burns), venous ulcers, chronic vascular ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, and drainage wounds. These devices are derived from a porcine source and should not be used in patients with known sensitivity to porcine material. These devices are not indicated for use in third-degree burns.

About Healthpoint Biotherapeutics

Healthpoint Biotherapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, cost-effective solutions for dermal repair and regeneration. The company's research and development strategy is presently centered around next-generation cell-based therapies for the treatment of chronic wounds. Currently marketed products include Collagenase SANTYL® Ointment, OASIS® Wound Matrix, OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix and REGRANEX® Gel. Healthpoint Biotherapeutics is also committed to advancing the care and treatment of wounds through support of industry leading continuing education from The Wound Institute®. To learn more about this comprehensive and award winning educational resource, please visit TheWoundInstitute.com®. Healthpoint Biotherapeutics is a DFB Pharmaceuticals, Inc., affiliate company, and is based in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit the company website at www.Healthpointbio.com.

HEALTHPOINT, SANTYL, THE WOUND INSTITUTE, THEWOUNDINSTITUTE.COM and REGRANEX are registered trademarks of Healthpoint, Ltd.

OASIS is a registered trademark of Cook Biotech, Inc.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

SOURCE Healthpoint Biotherapeutics