EndoSonics announces IVUS reimbursement

EndoSonics received good news last month when the American Medical Association released CPT codes that will enable physicians to be reimbursed for the diagnostic use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The codes go into effect Jan. 1, 2000. Prior to the AMA’s announcement, clinicians could be paid for IVUS only when it was included in an arterial intervention.

The news should give EndoSonics a boost in its U.S. sales, which could counteract the disappointing European sales the company posted in the third quarter (end-September). EndoSonics reported revenues of $10.5 million, down 10.3% from 1998’s $11.7 million (SCAN 10/13/99), which the Rancho Cordova, CA-based firm attributed to a decline in orders from European distributor Jomed International.