Court Ruling Eases Coverage for Myomo MyoPro in Germany

Myomo Inc, a wearable medical robotics company that offers increased functionality for those suffering from neurological disorders and upper-limb paralysis, announces that in an appeal before the Berlin-Brandenburg Regional Social Court (L 9 KR 210/21), the court confirmed that the MyoPro powered whole-arm orthosis is an orthopedic aid that serves to directly compensate for disabilities. As a result of this ruling, the third-largest German health insurance company, DAK, has been ordered to cover the costs for the MyoPro for the plaintiff.

The complaint was filed by a 33-year-old man who applied to the DAK for a myoelectric orthosis following a motor vehicle accident. The MyoPro helps compensate for the limitation and restore the range of motion of patients who suffer a loss of function of the hand and arm after a stroke or neuromuscular damage, as well as spinal cord and nerve injuries.

“With this ruling, a court has confirmed that the MyoPro is a device that can aid patients who suffer from upper extremity impairment and should be covered by statutory health insurance. We expect this ruling will make it easier for patients like the plaintiff to obtain a MyoPro,” said John Frijters, Managing Director of Myomo Europe GmbH. “Because of the MyoPro, which detects even weak contractions of the muscle fibers through non-invasive sensors located inside the device, functions such as grasping, holding and opening the hand, as well as bending, lifting and stretching the elbow are made possible.”

The patented MyoPro technology was developed by Myomo in collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School. The plaintiff in this case, identified as Konrad T., stated, “Since my paralysis, I have been waiting to be able to move and use my hand and arm again.”

Counsel for the plaintiff, Torsten Bornemann of Goßens Rechtsanwälte, added, “It is our hope that as a result of this ruling, many affected Germans will now have easier access to this orthopedic aid.”

[Source(s): Myomo Inc, Business Wire]

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