•           36478 - Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity,           inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, laser;  first vein treated, with a national average reimbursement of $2,041.16    and $364.57 for procedures performed in the office setting and in the  hospital setting, respectively, and
  
  
•           36479 - Second and subsequent veins treated in a single extremity,           each through separate access sites, with an average national  reimbursement of $437.72 and $178.12 for the office and hospital          setting, respectively.

Regionally adjusted payment rates are available from CoolTouch Inc. at 1-877-858-2665, or by contacting info@cooltouch.com.  Medicare reimbursement rates have traditionally driven the payment rate for private insurers.

Commenting on the announcement, Dave Hennings, Chief Executive Officer of CoolTouch Inc., said, "The tremendous attention drawn to our booth at the American College of Phlebology Congress last week was enhanced by the announcement of the new reimbursement.  Without the difficulties of processing claims without a dedicated code, the CoolTouch CTEV 1320 nm endovenous laser will now have assured growth as the preferred endovenous treatment of varicose veins."

Laser endovascular ablation procedural codes 36478 and 36479 are also included in the 2005 payment rates established by CMS under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and assigned under APC (Ambulatory Payment Classification) group 0092. This coverage applies to hospitals for expenses incurred during an outpatient endovenous procedure. A national average payment rate of approximately $1,538.27 applies to ablation for both laser and radiofrequency endovenous ablation methods.