Kim Norton: VP of Reimbursement at Simplify Medical

Kim Norton is the new Vice President of Reimbursement at Sunnyvale, California-based Simplify Medical Pty Ltd.

According to the company, “Norton will manage payer relations and oversee the development and execution of the Company’s reimbursement strategy as it continues to expand the number of covered lives for both one and two-level implantation.”

“Norton has worked in the fields of reimbursement, outcomes research, and government relations for over 20 years. She has deep experience with artificial disc technologies, having led the reimbursement efforts at several companies, including as Head of Reimbursement and Payer Relations for Aesculap, Inc., a medical device company focused on spine and orthopedic implants based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Vice President of Reimbursement for both LDR Spine and DePuy Synthes. Kim earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California at Berkeley and a BA in political science from Wellesley College.”

“The appointments were made as the Company expands commercial efforts in Europe where it is CE marked and pursues the completion of one and two-level U.S. IDE clinical trials for the implantation of its cervical artificial disc between C3 to C7. The Company completed enrollment of its one-level trial in February 2018 with 166 patients enrolled at 16 U.S. sites and anticipates complete enrollment of 200 patients at 18 centers in its two-level study by the end of 2018.”

Norton told OTW, “As I acclimate to this new role, my first move will be to reassess the dynamics of the cervical disc market with regard to reimbursement, including evaluating the latest updates on coverage and payment opportunities and challenges.”