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Medtronic Applauds Introduction of the National Pain Care Policy Act to Address Therapy Access for Patients

^{Published on 2009-02-05 13:18:48, Last Modified on 2009-02-05 13:19:26 - Market Wire}
 

MINNEAPOLIS--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) commends U.S. House of Representatives members Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) for their continued leadership in pain care policy with the introduction of the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009, H.R. 756. Medtronic, along with several patient organizations and the pain community will continue to work together to raise awareness and encourage further support of this legislation to benefit patients who live with chronic pain.

The legislation will address barriers to patient care by improving research, provider education and training, and general pubic awareness about the treatment and management of acute and chronic pain. Chronic pain affects approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population. It is also a leading contributor to healthcare costs.

"We are pleased to see the introduction of this important legislation that focuses on critical issues faced by a large population of patients who confront many challenges in dealing with chronic pain," said Richard E. Kuntz, M.D., president of the Neuromodulation business and senior vice president at Medtronic. "We look forward to ongoing collaboration with pain care physicians and the patient community to support passage of the legislation in this Congress."

For more information on the National Pain Policy Act visit [ http://thomas.loc.gov ].

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. ([ www.medtronic.com ] ), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 25, 2008. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.