Conference Programme Highlights German Reimbursement Issues; Recognition of Innovative Technologies a Key Factor for Discussion at MEDTEC.

Health & Medical Writers

MEDTEC

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2002

Germany represents the third largest medical device market in the world -- producing more than US$14 billion in medical device products per year.

With only a limited amount of those devices recognised by the statutory and private health insurance system in Germany, the country faces a familiar issue in the medical device industry -- reimbursement and the recognition of its innovative technologies.

At a recent press conference, Deputy Chairman of the German Medical Technology Association (BVMed), Volker Wagner, demanded innovation-oriented conditions for the medical technology sector and requested that health technology assessment procedures for new technologies become faster, more efficient and more transparent. This change would provide more companies the ability to produce devices recognized by the government -- thus increasing healthcare options.

This spring, medical technology professionals will have the opportunity to discuss these issues with leading industry experts and learn more about reimbursement and their role in designing innovative technologies at the MEDTEC(R) Conference and Exhibition, 5-7 March 2002, in Stuttgart, Germany. Industry expert Kevin Sullivan, senior consultant at Quintiles Consulting, will utilize his 13 years experience as a researcher and consultant in the German health care system during his conference session on overcoming hurdles to reimbursement. His session will include an overview of reimbursement principles in Germany, formal and informal decision-making processes for the coverage of medical procedures and technologies, and the basic characteristics of the German healthcare system.

The conference programme will also feature sessions on German market and management issues -- sponsored by BVMed, new health technology assessments, packaging, and advanced manufacturing issues among others. In addition, conference sessions on quality and regulation will be available in both English and German translations.

In conjunction with the conference programme, MEDTEC(R) will feature an exhibition with suppliers presenting a full spectrum of products and services for medical device manufacturers -- including automation and assembly equipment; advanced engineering components; contract manufacturing/subcontracting services; design engineering and R&D services; medical electronic components and subassemblies; and healthcare packaging, equipment, and materials. They will also offer in vitro diagnostic products and materials, extruding and injection moulding equipment, advanced plastics and materials, regulatory consulting, and testing and inspection equipment. Visitors will be professionals from medical manufacturing companies in Germany and throughout Europe.

Information on registering for and attending MEDTEC(R) can be found in multiple languages at www.medtecshow.com.

MEDTEC(R) Stuttgart is produced and managed by CANON COMMUNICATIONS LLC, the leading publisher, professional conference organiser, trade show producer, and digital media company for the US$153 billion medical device industry. For more information on CANON events, call [phone] or visit www.canontradeshows.com.