2008-09-21 06:03:01 -

- Calypso Medical Lynn Purdy, 206-774-4213 lpurdy@calypsomedical.com Calypso Medical today announced two new reimbursement codes that enable hospital and freestanding cancer centers to properly code claims associated with the use of the Calypso(R) 4D Localization System and implanted Beacon(R) transponders.

Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) assigned a new CPT(R) code (0197T) to "intrafraction tracking," identifying it as a new radiation therapy procedure. Cancer centers will begin to use this code on claims effective January 1, 2009 to capture daily use of services delivered with the Calypso System. "Now, with the advent of real-time intrafraction tracking, radiation oncologists have the ability to further refine radiation therapy. The assignment of this new code validates how important real-time intrafraction tracking can

be in improving the accuracy of radiation delivery," states Patrick Kupelian, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Director of Clinical Research, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

Separately, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided new guidance on the correct coding for Calypso Medical's implantable Beacon(R) transponders. CMS recommended the use of HCPCS code A4648 and C1879 "tissue markers" associated with implantation procedures in hospital outpatient departments (C1879) and freestanding cancer centers or physician offices (A4648). HCPCS A4648 became effective January 1, 2008. Payers have the responsibility for carrier-based payment decisions at the local level for local Medicare and commercial payers for all new codes.

"The majority of Calypso prostate cancer patients are Medicare beneficiaries. We expect the availability of these new codes to increase accessibility of the Calypso System for intrafraction tracking to Medicare patients in hospitals and freestanding cancer centers. Assignment of unique codes is important; they facilitate the ability to track utilization and determine the value of new medical procedures," notes Lynn M. Purdy, vice president, Market Development and Reimbursement of Calypso Medical.

Presently, over 60 Calypso Systems have been installed in hospital and freestanding cancer centers across the United States. Since early 2007, more than 2,000 patients have been treated with the Calypso System and have benefited from intrafraction tracking to guide their prostate cancer radiation therapy treatments.

About Calypso(R) Medical

Calypso(R) Medical Technologies, Inc. ("Calypso") is a Seattle, WA-based privately held medical device company. The Company's proprietary tumor localization system utilizes miniaturized implanted devices (Beacon(R) electromagnetic transponders) to continuously, accurately, and objectively pinpoint and track the location of tumors for improved accuracy and management of radiation therapy delivery. Calypso addresses two major issues in modern radiation oncology: errors in treatment set-up and tumor motion management during treatment. In addition, the Calypso(R) 4D Localization System's non-ionizing electromagnetic guidance has been found to improve workflow efficiency and treatment room utilization. The technology is designed for body-wide cancers commonly treated with radiation therapy, including prostate, breast, lung, head, neck and other radiation therapy target organs. The products are FDA 510(k) cleared for use in the prostate and post-operative prostatic bed.

CPT(R) 1097T and HCPCS A4648 Codes Assigned