Lifeward CEO Issues Open Letter to Shareholders on Progress to Finalize Exoskeleton Medicare Payment Rate
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Understanding the financial implications of CMS decisions on reimbursement rates is pivotal for companies like Lifeward. The establishment of a final payment rate for ReWalk Personal Exoskeletons by CMS is a significant development. This decision can lead to increased adoption of exoskeleton technology in rehabilitation, as it may reduce the financial burden on patients and healthcare facilities. In the short term, this could potentially drive up the company's revenue and market share in the medical devices sector. However, investors should monitor the long-term impact, considering the costs associated with production and potential market saturation.
It is also essential to assess the company's current financial health and how this CMS decision aligns with its revenue forecasts and growth strategy. If Lifeward's financials are robust and the CMS rate is favorable, it could be a strong positive signal to the market. Conversely, if the rate is lower than expected or if the company's cost structure is high, it might not translate into significant bottom-line growth.
The market dynamics of medical devices, particularly exoskeletons, are influenced by regulatory decisions such as payment rates set by entities like CMS. A favorable payment rate can boost market growth by making the technology more accessible. This could also encourage competitors to innovate and seek similar or more advanced approvals, leading to a more competitive landscape.
Investors should also consider the potential for international expansion, as regulatory decisions in the US often set precedents for other markets. A positive outcome with CMS could pave the way for Lifeward to negotiate similar terms in other countries, expanding its global footprint and diversifying its revenue streams.
The clinical impact of exoskeleton technology on rehabilitation is profound. The ability for patients with physical limitations to access such devices can significantly improve their quality of life. A finalized payment rate from CMS could lead to broader clinical adoption, which in turn may result in more data on the efficacy of exoskeletons. This data could be important for Lifeward in refining its products and maintaining its position as a market leader.
However, it's important to consider that widespread adoption hinges not only on payment rates but also on the training and support required for healthcare providers to integrate exoskeletons into their practice. Lifeward's ability to scale up these services in tandem with increased demand will be an essential factor in realizing the full potential of this CMS decision.
Collaboration with CMS on final payment rate focuses on commercial transaction values for the latest generation of ReWalk Exoskeleton
CMS indicates that recently issued fee schedule which omitted exoskeletons can be updated after April 1 to include the final payment rate once it is established
MARLBOROUGH, Mass. and YOKNEAM ILLIT, Israel, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (DBA Lifeward™), (Nasdaq: LFWD) (“Lifeward” or the “Company”), a global market leader delivering life-changing solutions to revolutionize what is possible in rehabilitation, recovery, and the pursuit of life’s passions in the face of physical limitation or disability, today issued an open letter from Larry Jasinski, Chief Executive Officer, to shareholders discussing the Company’s progress with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) to establish a payment rate for ReWalk Personal Exoskeletons. The full letter is published below:
Dear Shareholders,
As we communicated in Lifeward’s March 1 press release, a final payment rate for exoskeletons was deferred in CMS’ Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (“HCPCS”) final determination released on February 29, so the agency could obtain more information about pricing for our latest generation exoskeleton. As a result of the deferral, the payment rate is not included in CMS’ April 2024 Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (“DMEPOS”) fee schedule of Medicare payment rates that are effective April 1. Since the HCPCS final determination was released, we have worked very closely with the agency to review the invoice and transaction information that we had previously submitted and provide supplemental data or explanations as additional questions arise.
While the latest development is a temporary delay, we are encouraged that CMS has indicated to us that once it determines a final payment rate, the agency can amend the April 2024 DMEPOS fee schedule so that the payment rate for exoskeletons can be established for the rest of 2024. This is important because it means that the establishment of a payment rate does not need to be delayed until the next HCPCS cycle six months from now. Our active engagement with CMS is ongoing and we work to establish the payment rate as soon as possible.
Until a payment rate for exoskeletons is added to the DMEPOS schedule, the Medicare Administrative Contractors (“MACs”) still have authority to approve and pay claims on a case-by-case basis with discretion to set the payment rate. As we discussed on our Q4’23 earnings call, we have submitted 35 Medicare claims for payment which are eligible for reimbursement under the existing authority of the MACs. So far, one claim has been paid with the remaining ones in various stages of the claim review process. Lifeward intends to submit an additional 60-75 additional Medicare claims by the end of 2024 to accelerate its momentum in expanding access for qualified Medicare beneficiaries.
The Lifeward team is working tirelessly to make broader access to exoskeletons a reality for people with SCI. The health benefits and freedom that this technology provides to these individuals are well documented and truly life changing. We appreciate our investors for their shared vision about the transformation that this technology can bring to many lives. We also thank our investors for their patience because, as for many new technologies that drive revolutionary change, the path to achieving our goal is long with many challenges along the way.
We have overcome the hurdles in the past and we are confident that, with the continued engagement on the issue by CMS, the resolution of the payment rate can reach a positive conclusion.
Sincerely,
Larry Jasinski
Lifeward CEO
About Lifeward
Lifeward designs, develops, and commercializes life-changing solutions that span the continuum of care in physical rehabilitation and recovery, delivering proven functional and health benefits in clinical settings as well as in the home and community. Our mission at Lifeward is to relentlessly drive innovation to change the lives of individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. We are committed to delivering groundbreaking solutions that empower individuals to do what they love. The Lifeward portfolio features innovative products including the ReWalk Exoskeleton, the AlterG Anti-Gravity systems, the ReStore Exo-Suit, and the MyoCycle FES Systems.
Founded in 2001, Lifeward has operations in the United States, Israel, and Germany. For more information on the Lifeward product portfolio, please visit GoLifeward.com.
ReWalk®, ReStore® and Alter G® are registered trademarks of ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (DBA Lifeward) and/or its affiliates.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the timing and outcome of Company’s regulatory interactions, anticipated regulatory actions and other statements that are not statements of historical fact and, in some cases, may be identified by words like "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "future," "will," "should," "would," "seek," and similar terms or phrases. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's current expectations, which are subject to uncertainty, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Lifeward’s control. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are more fully discussed in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC and other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from the statements contained herein may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. Except as required by law, Lifeward undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Lifeward Media Relations:
LifeSci Communications
E: media@golifeward.com
Lifeward Investor Contact:
Mike Lawless
Chief Financial Officer
Lifeward
E: ir@golifeward.com
FAQ
What collaboration has ReWalk Robotics (LFWD) entered into?
When will CMS update the fee schedule to include the final payment rate?
Who issued the open letter to shareholders discussing the progress with CMS?
