Camden Property Trust Highlights Cooler Heads' Milestone in Scalp Cooling for Chemotherapy Patients
- Camden Property Trust's innovative Amma™ cap is included in the new Medicare reimbursement structure for scalp cooling.
- The decision by CMS facilitates access to scalp cooling, benefiting Medicare patients and setting coverage precedents for private insurers.
- Cooler Heads aims to expand patient access to scalp cooling solutions with new CPT codes effective January 1, 2026.
Cooler Heads Marks Major Advancement in Scalp Cooling Accessibility for Chemotherapy Patients
Cooler Heads, a health tech firm based in San Diego, is making waves in the healthcare landscape with its recent milestone regarding scalp cooling solutions for chemotherapy patients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has included mechanical scalp cooling in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule, marking a historic recognition of this vital service. This inclusion not only establishes a pathway for consistent reimbursement but also underscores the growing acknowledgment of the need for supportive therapies that mitigate the adverse effects of cancer treatments. The decision highlights the importance of scalp cooling for patients suffering from hair loss, a common and distressing side effect of chemotherapy.
The proposed rule introduces three new Category I CPT® codes specifically for mechanical scalp cooling, which includes the company’s innovative Amma™ cap. The new payment structure assigns $1,701 for the initial fitting and patient education, alongside $10 for each pre-infusion cooling treatment and $6 per unit for post-infusion cooling in 30-minute increments. Notably, the new codes apply exclusively to FDA-cleared mechanical systems like the Amma™ cap and do not extend to manual cold caps. This distinction emphasizes the commitment to clinically validated solutions, ensuring patients receive effective and reliable care during their treatment journeys.
Founder and CEO Kate Dilligan articulates the profound impact this development will have on patients, stating that it represents a significant step towards helping individuals maintain their identity during chemotherapy. The recognition by CMS not only facilitates access to scalp cooling for Medicare beneficiaries but also sets a precedent for private insurers to create their own coverage policies. With the public comment period concluding on September 12, 2025, and the final rule expected in November 2025, Cooler Heads is poised to collaborate with health systems, expanding its reach and ensuring that more patients can benefit from scalp cooling solutions as the updated CPT codes and MPFS rates take effect on January 1, 2026.
In addition to advancing patient care, this policy shift could catalyze further innovation within the health tech industry, pushing other companies to explore similar avenues for improving quality of life for patients undergoing challenging treatments. Cooler Heads exemplifies how health technology can intersect with patient-centric care to create meaningful changes in treatment experiences. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the strategic implications of this development for both patients and providers remain significant, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive support systems in cancer treatment.