Why can’t I have an MRI with LINX?
Linx patients cannot have MRI’s because it can cause damage to the linx device that was implanted in you. Weight gain can sometimes cause problems with the Linx device because it puts pressure on the stomach. When you have the procedure check with your doctor to see if you need pre authorization for payment.
What is Linx surgery?
Linx is a new surgery that has just been developed in the last several years. Many patients do not even know that surgery is an option for more severe case sof GERD or acid reflux.
What are the cons of the LINX procedure?
Cons of the Linx Procedure. It is a new procedure and has not been tested a long time to determine effectiveness. Some of the side effects are difficulty swallowing, pain after the procedure, and bloating in the stomach. There is always the risk of infection.
How long does it take to recover from a Linx procedure?
Often you will be able to resume normal activities in a few days when pain subsides. Weight lifting and strenuous exercise will have to wait at least three weeks or more. About 10% of Linx patients still have to take medications after the procedure.
Does Medicare cover the Linx surgery?
Does insurance cover LINX®? Insurance companies and Medicare are approving patients for LINX® on a case-by-case basis. Once you have completed your pre-tests and are a candidate for LINX®, your surgeon will start the approval process.
Does Medicare cover LINX reflux management System?
Coverage is not available for LINX® Reflux Management System, which is not a true endoluminal treatment but is also not considered reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an injury or disease.
Who is not a candidate for Linx surgery?
Patients with weak esophageal peristalsis or hiatal hernias larger than 2 cm are not candidates for the LINX® procedure. No preparation is required for the procedure itself.
Do I qualify for Linx surgery?
Determining eligibility for LINX Hiatal hernia more than 2cm. Body mass index (BMI) more than 35. Barrett's esophagus/abnormal cells. Other anti-reflux surgery.
How much does Linx surgery cost?
The median cost of a LINX procedure was $13,522 (mean $14,379) and $13,388 (mean$13,691) for LNF, a difference that researchers say is offset or surpassed by a lower cost of care for the insurer in the one year following surgery.
Is Nissen fundoplication covered by Medicare?
(November 14, 2017) – Medicare beneficiaries in 23 additional states have been granted reimbursed access to the Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF®) 2.0 procedure following positive coverage decisions by Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Noridian Health Care Solutions (Noridian) and National Government ...
Is the LINX procedure covered by insurance?
Q: Will my insurance company pay for LINX®? A: Nearly all insurance companies pay for antireflux surgery. Since the LINX® procedure is a new form of antireflux surgery, insurers are learning about the procedure.
Is Linx a major surgery?
Laparoscopic placement of the LINX device is major surgery and death can occur.
Does Linx fix hiatal hernia?
Patients with GERD may have a combination of a hiatal hernia and a weak gastroesophageal sphincter. Fixing the hiatal hernia along with placing a LINX device in the lower esophagus recreates the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
What type of doctor performs Linx surgery?
Surgeons in the GERD and Gastrointestinal Surgery Program are the first in the area to offer a brand new, innovative device designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – the LINX® reflux management system.
Which is better Linx or fundoplication?
LINX patients are able to more easily belch or vomit when needed and with less pain than is often reported following a fundoplication procedure. And there is a greatly decreased risk of gas bloat syndrome. Interestingly if the LINX device needs to be removed, it does not necessarily mean that relief is lost.
What is the success rate of Linx surgery?
The success rate for LINX is very high. Of the patients who undergo this procedure, 90 to 95 percent are able to stop taking medication completely and the remaining 5 to 10 percent rarely take medication. There are also several advantages to this procedure over the previous approaches used to treat GERD.
How much does a linx cost?
The cost of Linx for reflux varies from $3,000 to $5,000. It is not a good procedure for those that have had bariatric or esophageal surgery. Testing is often performed on patients to see if the surgery is appropriate for them.
Where is the Linx device placed?
When he finds the right size by measuring the esophagus he removes the sizing tool and places the Linx device via an incision in the abdomen around the esophagus. It sits in a channel created by the surgeon with no stitching needed.
What is a linx?
Linx is a new procedure or surgery that originated in 2012. It was tested for 4 years and approved by the FDA for use. It is a series of magnets or rings that is implanted at the bottom of the esophagus. This procedure is performed by laparoscopic surgery. This ring of magnets is designed to stay closed and keep the valve on ...
What are the cons of linx?
Cons of the Linx Procedure. It is a new procedure and has not been tested a long time to determine effectiveness. Some of the side effects are difficulty swallowing, pain after the procedure, and bloating in the stomach. There is always the risk of infection.
How long after linx surgery can you eat?
More About Linx Surgery. Patients are kept in the hospital overnight after surgery. Patients often can eat soft foods 48 hours after surgery. The doctor my prescribe pain medication after surgery. Often you will be able to resume normal activities in a few days when pain subsides.
Can you have MRI after linx?
About 10% of Linx patients still have to take medications after the procedure. Linx patients cannot have MRI’s because it can cause damage to the linx device that was implanted in you. Weight gain can sometimes cause problems with the Linx device because it puts pressure on the stomach.
Is reflux surgery covered by insurance?
It is more expensive than other reflux surgeries. Some insurance companies will cover the procedure and some do not. It is important to check with your insurance company before having the procedure performed. The costs vary depending on who performs the surgery and what part of the country you live in.
How many positive coverage documents are included in Stretta?
Eight “positive coverage” documents were included. None of these are from Medicare contractors but rather commercial insurance plans which use contract language as part of their decision process rather than evidence based methods that Medicare requires. These did not add any support to Stretta.
What is Stretta procedure?
The Stretta® procedure is an endoluminal treatment for GERD in which radiofrequency energy is delivered to smooth muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A flexible catheter equipped with special needle electrodes for precise energy delivery is placed by mouth into the esophagus and carefully controlled radiofrequency energy is then delivered to the LES and gastric cardia, creating thermal lesions. The manufacturer maintains that the changes that occur immediately, and over time, result in a "tighter" LES and a less compliant gastric cardia. Additionally, the interruption of nerve pathways in the LES area is believed to reduce the incidence of inappropriate LES "relaxations," leading to an improvement in GERD symptoms.
Is Exophyx TM an endoscopic suturing device?
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is an endoscopic technique. At present, the only such device currently on the market is the ExophyX TM. The FDA cleared this device. The FDA clearance is for those patients with chronic GERD, with continued responsiveness to PPIs, and a hiatal hernia greater than 2 cm, when a laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair reduces the hernia to 2 cm or less. T he TIF procedure is described as:
Is TIF ESOPHYX a peer reviewed publication?
Anti-Reflux Surgery Supplement to Endogastric Solutions TIF ESOPHYX Reconsideration Request NGS MAC, April 2017. This is not a peer-reviewed publication but a summary of what the procedure is and a summary of selective publications. Thus, this is not a peer-reviewed publication indexed in the U.S. National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health and thus not valid as supportive literature.
Can a LINX be used for a 3 cm hernia?
On 03/15/2018 the FDA approval for updating the precautions statement to state that use of the LINX Reflux Management System in patients with a hiatal hernia larger than 3 cm should include hiatal hernia repair to reduce the hernia to less than 3 cm and that the LINX Reflux Management System has not been evaluated in patients with an unrepaired hiatal hernia greater than 3 cm, added a hiatal hernia clinical data summary in the instructions for use, updated the instructions for use section to highlight the recommendation to repair a hiatal hernia, if present, at the time of the LINX Reflux Management System implantation, and updated the patient information booklet to align with the instructions for use and include 5 year clinical study results.
Does Noar change LCD?
Noar et al (2014) has previously been reviewed by this contractor and this does not support changing the LCD.
Is TIF coverage extended?
For TIF, Coverage is not extended to: