CMS policy changes to drive the sleep management devices market

According to Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, policy changes made by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will cause a surge in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnostic testing and treatment. MRG's new US Market Opportunities for Respiratory and Sleep Management Devices 2010 report finds that increasing reimbursement opportunities for OSA diagnosis and treatment will drive the OSA market to $1.5 billion by 2014.

CMS recognizes that 80% of OSA patients in the US currently remain undiagnosed and is establishing policies to make treatment of OSA symptoms more convenient for patients. Prior to 2009, OSA could only be diagnosed by polysomnography. Reimbursement for therapeutic OSA devices--such as continuous positive airway pressure machines--was only provided if the polysomnography was performed in a facility-based sleep study laboratory. CMS's 2009 Physician Fee Schedule now extends coverage to diagnoses made with home sleep test systems, as long as the provider of the home sleep test device does not also have a financial interest in selling devices used for OSA treatment.

"This change is expected to significantly expand the amount of people getting tested for OSA and receiving treatment," says Ravindra Sharma, Senior Analyst at MRG. "If people can be tested for OSA in the comfort of their own home, they will likely choose that option over an overnight lab stay. Additionally, this change in reimbursement will also result in significant savings for CMS because home sleep tests cost a fraction of in-lab polysomnographies. As a result, demand for therapeutic OSA devices will be very high through 2014."

MRG's new report, US Market Opportunities for Respiratory and Sleep Management Devices 2010, provides critical insight into emerging trends that will fuel market growth for therapeutic OSA devices, ventilators, oxygen therapy, and sleep diagnostic systems through 2014. The report provides a complete breakdown of unit sales, average selling prices, and revenues by device type. Further detail is provided in a thorough examination of trends caused by government policies such as CMS reimbursement. This report includes five-year forecasts, up-to-date market shares, and in-depth qualitative insights.