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STRATA Skin Sciences Targets Early CMS Reimbursement for Expanded XTRAC Laser Use

10 months agoUS
STRATA Skin Sciences Targets Early CMS Reimbursement for Expanded XTRAC Laser UseSource: finance.yahoo.com
STRATA Skin Sciences (SSKN) is actively pursuing early reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its XTRAC® excimer laser treatment. This move aims to accelerate patient access to this therapy for a broader range of dermatological conditions, including vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, in addition to psoriasis.

Key Insights

STRATA is seeking temporary CMS codes to potentially allow for expanded reimbursement as early as 2026, ahead of the initially planned 2027 timeline.

The American Medical Association has approved updates to CPT codes 96920–96922, expanding reimbursement eligibility for XTRAC Excimer Laser treatments to include all inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions.

Recent studies support the use of XTRAC laser therapy combined with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for treating vitiligo.

STRATA is progressing in its lawsuit against LaserOptek, with the court adding LaserOptek Korea as a defendant, alleging false advertising practices.

In-Depth Analysis

STRATA Skin Sciences is working to expedite the availability of its XTRAC laser treatment for various skin conditions. The company is seeking temporary CMS codes to accelerate reimbursement eligibility, potentially tripling the addressable patient population. This initiative is backed by clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of XTRAC laser therapy, particularly in combination with JAK inhibitors for vitiligo treatment.

Two recent studies published in the *International Journal of Dermatology* and *Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics* highlight the benefits of combining excimer laser therapy with JAK inhibitors. The studies demonstrated significant re-pigmentation and pigment stability in patients with vitiligo. In addition to these clinical advancements, STRATA is actively pursuing legal action against LaserOptek for alleged false advertising practices related to Pallas lasers.

STRATA’s CEO, Dr. Dolev Rafaeli, emphasizes that expanding access to XTRAC is about providing effective, non-drug therapy to millions of patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions. The company’s efforts aim to create economic incentives for providers to offer this care, positioning XTRAC as a leading drug-free option in dermatology.

FAQs

Q: What is the XTRAC® excimer laser treatment?

It is a medical technology used to treat dermatologic conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis.

Q: What is STRATA Skin Sciences trying to achieve with CMS?

They are seeking temporary codes for expanded reimbursement of XTRAC® treatments, aiming to make these treatments reimbursable by 2026.

Q: What skin conditions could be treated with XTRAC if the reimbursement is expanded?

Inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions, such as vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, in addition to psoriasis.

Key Takeaways

STRATA Skin Sciences is striving to make its XTRAC laser treatment more accessible for various skin conditions.

New research supports the effectiveness of combining XTRAC laser therapy with JAK inhibitors, particularly for vitiligo.

The company is also involved in legal action to protect its market position.

Discussion

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