Cavernous Nerves Electrical Stimulation with Penile Plethysmography

I appreciate CMS taking the time to review the issue of Coverage for electrical nerve stimulation with penile plethysmography. This technology is important for the potency of patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy or colorectal cancer surgery. I have personally talked with many frustrated patients who learned about the technology after their procedure and wished that they could have had access to the technology. I believe a decision by CMS will benefit patients and make it easier for patients to find a physician to provide it.

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We commend CMS for taking up this difficult issue. While CMS' proposed decision has determined thatthe level of evidence is insufficient for itscriteria for national coverage at this time, weapplaud CMS for making it clear whether cavernousnerve stimulation with penile plethysmography iscovered nationally. For many technologies, likethis, the failure to have a national coveragepolicy limits patient access. This diagnostic mayhelp improve postoperative potency, or helpphysicians and patients plan for post proceduretreatments. The clarity represented by thisproposed national coverage policy will increasethe availability of this important diagnostic andthese benefits for patients.

As the evidence continues to grow, we trust CMSwill reconsider its non-coverage policy as thebody of evidence reaches sufficient level towarrant coverage.

Thank you.

Jerry Stringham and colleagues
Medical Technology Partners, Inc. and Blue Torch Medical Technologies Inc.

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