Stanford Study Highlights Need For Transitional Reimbursement Pathway

Results of a study of FDA and CMS data found that 44% of 64 new devices were granted some kind of Medicare coverage within 5 years of FDA approval of clearance.

A stethescope, calculator, and dollar bills over a health insurance form. — • Source: Shutterstock

A study of Medicare data and US Food and Drug Administration authorizations found that the lengthy coverage period for newly cleared or approved medical devices highlights the need for a new "transitional coverage" pathway.

Zachary Sexton, a bioengineering graduate student at Stanford University, led a group at Stanford that analyzed 281 devices authorized by...