Press Release
28.01.2008
New LIFE urology laser treatment by biolitec for enlarged prostate will be reimbursed by statutory health insurance providers beginning on January 1, 2008 in Germany for in-patient treatment
Treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) using the new Evolve 150 urology laser by biolitec for in-patient treatment will be reimbursed by insurers for statutorily-insured patients - Transurethral laser vaporization of the prostate is now included in the DRG flat rate catalogue - In the second semester of 2007, 20 prostate centers were won over to the innovative LIFE urology laser treatment
Jena, January 28, 2008 - www.biolitec.com - Following the unprecedented success of the new LIFE diode laser vaporization technology of biolitec in the US, 20 prostate centers have already been won over to the innovative urology laser treatment in Germany as well in the second semester of 2007. The advantages of the laser treatment have led insurers to quickly include it in the current DRG flat rate catalogue, and since its market introduction in Germany in mid-2007, many urologists have already become convinced by the LIFE urology laser treatment method by biolitec AG. Transurethral laser vaporization of the prostate, as it is called, has been given the DRG number M11Z in the new 2008 flat rate catalogue.
For hundreds of thousands of statutorily-insured men who suffer from benign enlargement of the prostate, i.e. "benign prostate hyperplasia", the new regulation means that since the beginning of the year, they will come to enjoy a completely novel, innovative in-patient treatment method without having to pay extra. Before, medical treatment was often only possible using medication or traditional operative methods which sometimes resulted in serious secondary bleeding and other side effects.
The new LIFE urology laser treatment method by biolitec AG, using the Evolve 150 urology laser for treatment of the widespread male disease of "prostate enlargement“, has almost no side effects and the actual removal of tissue through laser vaporization can be done in 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the volume of prostate to be removed). Because of the outstanding performance features and the simple and safe procedures, the demand by urologists and patients in the US for the LIFE urology laser treatment method by biolitec is enormously high. The laser is easy to transport and can also be used in interdisciplinary applications in various operating rooms. The method enables minimum recovery times and reduces the risks of incontinence and impotence.
According to Dr. Wolfgang Neuberger, Chairman of the Board of biolitec: "The reimbursement of the new prostate laser method for statutorily-insured patients is the right step to take so that patients in Germany can also be provided with a modern, timely treatment method that has already been the standard in the US for a long time. LIFE Urology laser treatment will soon be standard equipment in many clinics and specialist urology practices."
About biolitec
biolitec is the only supplier for photodynamic therapy worldwide that offers all relevant core competencies - photosensitizers, lasers and optical fibers. Besides minimal invasive laser treatments and the oncology business biolitec has successfully developed competencies in the field of aesthetics. biolitec is listed in the Prime Standard under ISIN DE0005213409. For more information see: www.biolitec.com
