INSIGHTEC Announces BCBS North Carolina and Horizon BCBS of New Jersey Published Positive Coverage of MRgFUS Treatments for Pain Palliation of Bone Cancer Metastases

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Apr 16, 2015, 09:30 ET

HAIFA, Israel, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

INSIGHTEC today announced that Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ) have published updates to their Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) coverage policy and are now providing benefits for INSIGHTEC's ExAblate® procedure as a treatment option that is FDA-approved for patients suffering from pain associated with bone metastases.

BCBS NC and Horizon BCBS NJ provide benefits to more than 3.8 million members combined . These positive coverage decisions for MRgFUS follow an earlier favorable change in policy made by Health Care Service Corporation, the second largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercial insurer in the United States, to cover MRgFUS treatments for painful bone metastases.

"Decisions from leading insurers to cover INSIGHTEC's treatment are a welcome recognition of the demonstrated clinical benefits for ExAblate's completely noninvasive treatment for patients suffering from pain associated with bone metastases," said Kobi Vortman, PhD, CEO of INSIGHTEC. "By formalizing a favorable coverage policy, both BCBS NJ and BCBS NC have made access to MRgFUS a viable option for many more patients and physicians," he emphasized.

"We are very happy that our efforts have yielded another favorable decision which will enable patients to benefit from a noninvasive treatment that quickly reduces pain, allows return to normal activities within days and is available in leading medical centers across the U.S.," said Dee Kolanek, VP of Reimbursement at INSIGHTEC. "We are continuously conducting independent post-market studies in efforts to build support for additional coverage by insurers," she added.

Notes to Editor

About INSIGHTEC

INSIGHTEC is a world leader in MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). The company, founded in 1999, has developed a completely non-invasive therapy platform that transforms medicine in an expanding number of neurosurgery, oncology and gynecology indications. MRgFUS is already adopted and used by world recognized physicians in more than 120 leading medical facilities around the world, who see the tremendous clinical and economical value of the INSIGHTEC therapy platform.

The company has received numerous awards for innovation from well-respected organizations including the Wall Street Journal, the European Union and TIME Magazine. The company is privately held by GE Healthcare, Elbit Imaging, York Capital Management, GEOC Hengtong Investment Limited Partnership and MediTech Advisors. For more information please visit: http://www.INSIGHTEC.com

About BCBSNC:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.91 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at http://www.HorizonBlue.com . Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.8 million members.

Media Contact
Xen Mendelsohn Aderka
VP of Marketing
INSIGHTEC
Xenm[at]insightec[dot]com
+972-4-8131309

SOURCE INSIGHTEC