�@

Meniett Low-Pressure Pulse Generator�@

With no known cause or cure, Menieres disease can be a debilitating, life altering condition. A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology, an American Medical Association publication, demonstrated that patients who used the Meniett low-pressure pulse generator to control their symptoms of Menieres disease suffered less severe vertigo and missed fewer work days.

While otologists and neurotologists are the specialists who normally treat patients with Menieres disease, all ENT physicians can prescribe the Meniett device. Of course, only the patient and the patients physician can determine which treatment is best for each patient. Menieres disease is a complicated disease with many factors that must be considered. Many disorders can present the same or similar symptoms as Menieres disease. Local over-pressure treatment and the Meniett device are only indicated for definite Menieres disease.

If your doctor has prescribed the Meniett Low-Pressure Pulse Generator as treatment for your Menieres disease, he or she will fax your prescription to Medtronic Xomed. After they receive the prescription, one of their representatives will contact you within 48 hours to discuss filling your prescription. Make sure that you told your doctor when would be the best time to reach you.

Medtronic Xomed has created several payment options to assist you with the cost of the device. Their representative will explain each of these options and answer any questions you may have.

Based on existing patient experience, you should know if the Meniett device is going to be effective in your particular case approximately 5-6 weeks after you begin treatment with the Meniett device. Its very important that you follow your doctors prescription everyday and do not skip any treatments. Otherwise, the Meniett device may be less effective.

Additional Resources for Information on Menieres Disease

There are over 4,000 articles in the English literature in the past 30 years. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of reports, their technical nature, and, often, their contradictory conclusions. These articles are attempts by the writers to better understand this enigmatic disorder. Here are several sources of current information:

- Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)

- Patient oriented book

"Menieres Disease - What You Need to Know"

By P.J. Haybach, R.N.

Available from:

Vestibular Disorders Association

P.O. Box 4467

Portland, OR 97208-4467

- www.menieres.org

- UWMC Hearing and Balance center website

- UWMC otolaryngology website

- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Centers website

Information in any of these sources becomes outdated as new information is discovered. View these resources with the understanding that they are not the final word. Until there is a specific cure for Menieres disease, all information is but a glimpse of the big picture. �@

Medicare Coverage for the Meniett Device

Frequently asked questions to Meniett customer service about Medicare and their responses.

If I have insurance through the Medicare, what is the process for ordering my device?

Once your physician writes a prescription for the Meniett device, he or she will send your prescription to Meniett customer service. Because Medicare reimburse on a monthly basis over 13-15 months, we currently use medical equipment distributors to file your Medicare claim. Your physician will be asked to send a letter of medical necessity to the distributor so it can be filed with your claim. Meniett customer service will coordinate the billing with the distributor and then ship the device to you.

What do I have to pay for the device if I have Medicare coverage?

If you are covered by Medicare, Medtronic Xomeds distributor will bill Medicare for your device on a monthly basis over a 13-15 month period. As the patient, you are responsible for paying your Medicare deductible and co-insurance to the distributor during this period. These costs will depend on the level of Medicare reimbursement for the state in which you live. Our distributor can discuss their payment requirements and the exact amount of your up front costs with you when you order your device. At the end of the 13-15 month period, you can keep using the device indefinitely.

Does Medicare reimbursement affect the return policy?

Due to the distributor arrangement and Medicare coverage, we are unable to accept returns of the Meniett device, except as related to our standard product warranty.

All information in this handout was taken form www.meniett.com. For more information on this product or for prescription forms please visit this site.