Valencia, CA, August 6, 2002 - Advanced Bionics® Corporation today announced a Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Reimbursement Program for users of its cochlear implant technology.
The Program is designed to facilitate vaccination and remove any potential barriers to obtaining the pneumococcal meningitis and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines that were recommended by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for cochlear implant users July 24, 2002. The Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Reimbursement Program provides that Advanced Bionics will reimburse North American CLARION® cochlear implant users who make any medical payments that are not covered by their insurance carrier (including co-payments) for these vaccinations between August 5, 2002 and January 1, 2003.
"Our goals are to have every CLARION® cochlear implant user talk to their primary care physician or pediatrician about vaccination, to increase their understanding of the disease's symptoms, and to have any of those symptoms, including middle ear infection, treated promptly," commented Douglas Lynch, Director of Corporate Marketing. "We believe this reimbursement Program and our public communications on meningitis will help us meet these goals," Lynch added.
Additional information on the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Reimbursement Program for existing CLARION® patients is available from Advanced Bionics' Insurance Reimbursement Department - 877-779-0229 (V), 800-678-3575 (TTY). A copy of the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Reimbursement Program Patient Form is available at www.BionicEar.com.
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For more information, visit www.BionicEar.com.
Media should contact Emily McCargar, Public Relations, 866-358-9811, emilym@advancedbionics.com.
