Camden Property Trust: Cooler Heads Achieves Medicare Recognition for Scalp Cooling in Chemotherapy
- Cooler Heads celebrates Medicare's recognition of mechanical scalp cooling, enhancing support for chemotherapy patients experiencing hair loss.
- The proposed payment framework promotes accessibility, assigning rates for fittings and cooling treatments for patients.
- Cooler Heads aims to expand its reach and partnerships, improving patient quality of life through innovative scalp cooling solutions.
Revolutionizing Chemotherapy Support: Scalp Cooling Gains Medicare Recognition
In a groundbreaking development for cancer treatment support, Cooler Heads, a San Diego-based health tech company, celebrates a significant milestone with the inclusion of mechanical scalp cooling in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule. This represents the first official recognition of scalp cooling by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), paving the way for consistent reimbursement for chemotherapy patients experiencing hair loss. The proposed rule introduces three new Category I CPT® codes specifically for mechanical scalp cooling, which aim to enhance accessibility for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The new reimbursement framework assigns payment rates of $1,701 for the initial fitting and patient education, $10 for each pre-infusion cooling treatment, and $6 per unit for post-infusion cooling in 30-minute increments. Notably, this initiative does not extend to manual cold caps, highlighting the importance of FDA-cleared mechanical systems like Cooler Heads' Amma™ cap. CEO Kate Dilligan underscores the emotional impact of chemotherapy-related hair loss on patients, describing this decision as a vital step towards helping individuals maintain their identity during treatment. By facilitating reimbursement for scalp cooling, Cooler Heads positions itself as a leader in patient-centered care within the oncology support landscape.
The inclusion of these CPT codes not only benefits patients directly but also sets a precedent for private insurers to create their own coverage policies. This could lead to increased access to scalp cooling solutions, allowing more patients to benefit from these innovative technologies. Following the public comment period ending on September 12, 2025, CMS is expected to finalize the rule in November 2025, with the updated CPT codes and rates taking effect on January 1, 2026. This timeline opens up exciting opportunities for Cooler Heads to collaborate with health systems and expand their reach to those in need of effective scalp cooling solutions.
In addition to this important milestone, the recognition of mechanical scalp cooling in Medicare signifies a broader shift towards integrating supportive care technologies in cancer treatment protocols. Cooler Heads is well-positioned to capitalize on this change, fostering partnerships with healthcare providers and raising awareness about the importance of scalp cooling. As the healthcare landscape evolves, innovations like those offered by Cooler Heads could play a crucial role in improving patient quality of life during chemotherapy.
Ultimately, the acknowledgment of mechanical scalp cooling in the MPFS marks a crucial advancement for both patients and healthcare providers. It highlights the growing recognition of the role that supportive therapies play in enhancing the overall oncology treatment experience, ensuring that patients are not only treated for their illness but also supported in their emotional and psychological well-being during challenging times.