ASR Hip System recall

DePuy issued a voluntary recall of its ASR™ XL Acetabular Hip System and DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System on 24 August 2010. We understand that the ASR Hip System recall is concerning for patients, their family members and surgeons. These systems first became commercially available in July 2003 globally, and in June 2004 in India. If you had your hip surgery prior to June 2004 or after 24 August 2010 in India, the hip you received is not subject to the ASR recall.
Since the recall decision was made, DePuy has worked to provide patients and surgeons with the information and support they need.

ASR India Patient Assistance Program (ASR IPAP)

Johnson & Johnson Private Limited is committed to providing ASR surgeons and patients with the information and support needed for recall-related medical care.

As part of this commitment, the ASR India Patient Assistance Program (ASR IPAP) was launched by Johnson & Johnson Private Limited to specifically support and address the needs of patients in India. This unique program provides for the reimbursement of eligible tests and revision surgery up to 15 years from the date of primary ASR hip replacement surgery.

The eligible reimbursements for the ASR IPAP will be managed by Puri Crawford via the ASR IPAP Helpline on behalf of Johnson & Johnson Private Limited.

ASR IPAP overview

Who is covered:

1. Patients who underwent primary hip replacement with the ASR hip system in India between June 2004 and 24 August 2010: and

2. Patients who are willing to register on the ASR Helpline and complete the ASR IPAP documentation process.

What is covered:

1. The reimbursement of expenses related to tests, as specified below, on the ASR hip system, as recommended by the surgeon if these tests are conducted within 15 years from date of primary ASR hip replacement surgery.

2. The reimbursement of expenses, as specified below, related to revision surgery of ASR hip implants if revision surgery takes place within 15 years from the date of primary ASR hip replacement surgery.

Reimbursement of expenses for testing:

1. Patients are responsible for completing tests, as per their surgeon’s recommendations, and submitting reimbursement claims to the ASR IPAP Helpline.

2. The following tests are covered under this program:

• Metal Ion (Cobalt & Chromium)

• X ray hip (AP/ Lateral)

• MARS MRI/USG Hip/ CT scan

3. The following costs would be considered for reimbursement as testing expenses:

• Cost of tests (as above) if recommended by a surgeon related to ASR implants

• Consultation with surgeon about the ASR hip system

• Reasonable cost of travel to the nearest testing center for the above-mentioned tests

Reimbursement of revision surgery expenses:

1. Cost of revision surgery, in the nearest metro city to the patient’s home, can be reimbursed in one of two ways:

• Patient pays for revision surgery and submits the claim for reimbursement to ASR IPAP Helpline

• Crawford provides a funding letter to patient/hospital for cashless revision surgery and handles the invoices and reimbursement directly with the hospital.

2. Reasonable expenses of travel (to and from), hotel stay and food until the time of discharge of the patient from the hospital, for the patient and one attendant.

3. The reimbursement of expenses related to follow-up tests (as recommended by the surgeon) conducted within 1 year from date of the revision surgery.

4. Reimbursement as outlined above will also be available if an additional surgery due to the ASR Hip System is needed within 15 years from the date of ASR primary hip replacement surgery.

Contact Information

Patients:

For more information about the ASR India Patient Assistance Program (ASR IPAP), please contact the ASR IPAP Helpline at +91 44 421 44842 or 0008000501443 between 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM from Monday to Friday, or send us an email on: asri@puricrawford.com

Surgeons:

We would like to request your kind support to ensure that ASR patients are adequately informed and are able to take advantage of the ASR IPAP.

To register a patient for treatment and reimbursement, please contact the ASR IPAP Helpline at +91 44 421 44842 or 0008000501443 between 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM from Monday to Friday, or send us an email on: asri@puricrawford.com

The following physician is available to answer clinical questions from surgeons:

Dr. Satyanand Shastri, Senior Director – Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson India & North Asia and Ethicon Asia Pacific. Tel: +91 22 66646602.

Media:

Members of the media should contact Kasturi Mittra on +91 22 66646404/ kmittra@its.jnj.com.