Genzyme challenges decision
Genzyme Corp. is challenging a decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create a single reimbursement code for osteoarthritis treatments that would drop the reimbuirsement rate for its Synvisc treatment.
Synvisc is one of a family of so-called viscosupplementation products. The thick liquid is injected into arthritic knees, and acts as a temporary joint cushioning, easing pain.
The treatment has had its own reimbursement code since 1999. If the decision by the CMMS moves forward the company would receive a reimbursement rate for the drug lower than its market value, although it declined to say how much that was.
The Cambridge-based company says that lowering the reimbursement rate will limit physicians choice. Genzyme also maintains that since Synvisc is the longest lasting treatment - a three-shot dose is good for six months - the decision will mean patients face more frequent injections with less long-lasting products - which will cost the Medicare system more in the long run.
The lowered reimbursement rate goes into effect after January. The company vows to take "legal action" if the CMMS declines to drop the single-rate plan.
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