Given Imaging (Nasdaq: GIVN) announced today that Menora Insurance Company, one of Israel's largest insurance companies, had issued reimbursement coverage of capsule endoscopy for direct imaging of the entire small intestine.
Capsule endoscopy will now be included in Menora's health insurance program, which provides coverage for individuals and large groups such as the Israeli Physicians Union and the Israeli Nurses Union.
Diseases of the small intestine include types of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, obscure bleeding, small intestinal tumors and malabsorptive diseases such as celiac.
"I am pleased that Menora is the first private insurer in Israel to provide reimbursement for capsule endoscopy for all indications in the small bowel," said Gavriel D. Meron, president and CEO of Given Imaging.
Menora Insurance medical director David Bornstein said, " After reviewing the medical literature, we believe that by making capsule endoscopy available to our members, we will help deliver cost savings to the healthcare system and provide our policy holders with true added value."
Given Imaging shares closed on Nasdaq on Wednesday at $8.41.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on 3 July, 2003