Collaboration between the Heartburn Center of California, BASS Medical Group and Torax Inc.
Walnut Creek, CA, September 11, 2018: The Heartburn Center of California is proud to announce that it has negotiated a flat rate for the LINX procedure treating eligible patients suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). LINX is a simple, FDA approved, minimally invasive solution alternative to continuous acid suppression therapy. Although LINX has been approved by the FDA since 2012 and has been used to treat 16,000 patients, insurance companies often take months to approve the procedure. Unfortunately, for many patients diagnosed with GERD, to continue suffering from severe heartburn, lack of sleep and overall wellness due to the pain and discomfort caused by acid backing up into the esophagus, the idea of waiting months for insurance approval is not an option.
Now, patients can bypass their insurance provider through a cash option of $15,000 to pay for the procedure and device. This minimally invasive procedure typically allows a patient to go home and begin eating a normal diet, with some exceptions, the same day.
“As a specialist in esophageal and related diseases, it is frustrating to watch my patients continue to suffer when we have a solution to their GERD”, said Dr. Wilson Tsai, Director of the Heartburn Center. “I’m excited that we can now offer this option to our patients,” He continued.
Facts:
- 120 LINX procedures by Dr. Tsai and increasing by 6-11 per month.
- 85% of patients were free from dependence on daily reflux medication after treatment with LINX.[1]
- 88% of LINX patients reported that bothersome heartburn had been eliminated after treatment with LINX.[1]
- 99% of patients eliminated bothersome regurgitation after treatment with LINX.[1]
- Patients reported significant improvement in gassiness and bloating after treatment with LINX.[1]
- Patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life after treatment with LINX.[1]
FAQ
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also referred to as acid reflux or reflux occurs when stomach contents flows back up through the lower esophagus sphincter (LES) into the esophagus — the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The irritation and burning sensation felt by individuals experiencing reflux is what is more commonly known as heartburn or sometimes indigestion as it is typically coupled with the taste of food/liquids recently ingested or an acid / bitter taste.
Occasional reflux is not uncommon, however, if heartburn persists, is more chronic or is long lasting can be a sign of GERD.
How LINX work?
LINX is a simple, magnetic ring of titanium beads about the size of a quarter that fits around the LES allowing patients to swallow food and liquids normally but stopping stomach contents from regurgitating up the esophagus.
How is the LINX placed around the LES?
The LINX is placed through a minimally invasive surgical procedure lasting approximately 45 – 90 minutes. Most patients go home the same day and can begin eating and drinking normally, with a few exceptions.
About
Heartburn Center of California
The Heartburn Center of California was established to provide specialized and focused care to patients suffering from esophageal and digestive disorders resulting in what is commonly known as heartburn. The Center is dedicated to providing very specialized medical professionals with in-depth knowledge and focused technics in diagnosing and treating ailments that result in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also referred to as heartburn.
The holistic and methodical approach to diagnosis and treatment by the Center contribute to a high success rate in identifying and addressing the root cause of the heartburn as opposed to just treating the symptoms of this increasingly common ailment.
According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), “Up to 60 percent of the population at some time during the year, and 20 to 30 percent weekly, experience symptoms of [GERD], such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.”[2] With such a high prevalence and few organizations focused specifically on accurately diagnosing and treating the disease, the healthcare professionals at the Heartburn Center of California are unique in their dedication and focus on esophageal and digestive disorders in particular as they pertain to GERD or heartburn.
www.heartburncenterofcalifornia.com
Torax Medical Torax Medical, Inc.,
Part of the Ethicon family of companies, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, develops and markets products designed to treat sphincter disorders utilizing its technology platform, Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA). Torax Medical is currently marketing the LINX® Reflux Management System for the treatment of GERD in the U.S. and Europe. For more information, please visit www.toraxmedical.com.
BASS Medical Group
At BASS Medical Group, we help you navigate the complexities of healthcare more efficiently. No matter where you are on life’s journey, our team of healthcare professionals guides you to the best outcome possible by eliminating the barriers that block your pathway to better healthcare. We use state-of-the-art technology to simplify access, streamline communication, and integrate a full spectrum of care. Our practices are located in the communities where we live, and we operate each with a human touch that creates a more personal connection to you and your care.
[1] Ganz, et al., Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Receiving a Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Device for Gastroesophageal Reflux: Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol: Article in Press, published online June 01, 2015.
[2] Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s (HCUP) “Statistical Brief #44”