Aetna calls NxStage machine equally acceptable alternative

In a clinical policy bulletin update on Friday, Aetna (AET) said it considers the NxStage System (NXTM) portable hemodialysis machine an "equally acceptable alternative to standard hemodialysis machines for medically necessary home hemodialysis, as it has not been proven to be more effective than standard hemodialysis machines for use in the home." Presently, the NxStage System One is the only really portable hemodialysis system licensed in the United States, Aetna notes.