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Medical equipment industry

Medtronic Advances in Lumbar Spine Technology and Obesity Treatment Receives Blue Cross/Blue Shield Coverage

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

At the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) meeting in Orlando, Medtronic, Inc. introduced the latest advancement in its line of Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST(SM)). These technologies enable surgeons to treat lumbar spine conditions using less-invasive techniques. Additionally, Inamed Corporation announced that Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Plans of Texas, Illinois, and New Mexico will provide medical coverage and reimbursement for the LAP-BAND System, a treatment for morbid obesity. This development will benefit over 6.8 million lives, with exclusions only for companies that have specifically excluded bariatric surgery from their employee benefits package.

Key Takeaways:

  • Medtronic introduced the latest advancement in Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST(SM)) at the AANS meeting in Orlando, which enables surgeons to treat lumbar spine conditions using less-invasive techniques.
  • Inamed Corporation announced that Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Plans of Texas, Illinois, and New Mexico will provide medical coverage and reimbursement for the LAP-BAND System, benefiting over 6.8 million lives.
  • The exclusions from this benefit are for companies that specifically exclude bariatric surgery from their employee benefits package.
  • Meridian Co., Ltd. was featured in a sixty-second commercial campaign on CNBC Television, highlighting their integrative medical devices.
  • Medtronic Inc. has partnered with Financial Relations, Inc. to provide comprehensive financial communications and increase exposure to Wall Street.

Statistics:

  • Over 6.8 million lives will benefit from the medical coverage and reimbursement of the LAP-BAND System.
  • Medtronic's Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST(SM)) enable surgeons to treat lumbar spine conditions using less-invasive techniques.
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Plans of Texas, Illinois, and New Mexico have provided medical coverage and reimbursement for the LAP-BAND System.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE-3 May 2004-Financial Relations Inc: Medtronic Announces Advancement in Lumbar Spine Technology and Inamed Obesity Treatment Now Covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Financial Relations, Inc.
  • Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT)
  • Inamed Corporation (Nasdaq: IMDC)
  • Meridian Co., Ltd. (OTCBB: MRDAF)

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