15% Increase in Proton Therapy Payment Rate for 2012 Recently Approved by CMS Strengthens the Economic Case for Proton Cen

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AMERICAN SHARED HOSPITAL SERVICES (AMEX:AMS), a leading provider of turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services, said today that the recent announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicade Services (CMS) of a 15% increase in the payment rate of proton therapy for hospital based centers beginning in 2012 strengthens the economic case for the proton centers now under development by the Company. "We are pleased that CMS recognizes the therapeutic value of proton therapy, now widely regarded as the optimal radiation treatment for an increasing variety of cancers. This payment increase will facilitate the development of much-needed proton therapy centers throughout the country," said AMS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ernest A. Bates, M.D.

AMS is developing hospital based proton therapy centers in Boston (Tufts Medical Center), Orlando (Orlando Regional Healthcare) and Long Beach, California (Long Beach Memorial Medical Center).

About AMS

American Shared Hospital Services provides turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services. AMS is the world leader in providing Gamma Knife radiosurgery equipment, a non-invasive treatment for malignant and benign brain tumors, vascular malformations and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain). The Company also offers the latest IGRT and IMRT systems, as well as its proprietary Operating Room for the 21st Century® concept. Through its preferred stock investment in Mevion Medical Systems, Inc., formerly Still River Systems, AMS also plans to complement these services with the MEVION S250 proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) system, which has not yet been approved by the FDA.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services, which involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks of the Gamma Knife and radiation therapy businesses, the risks of developing The Operating Room for the 21st Century program, and the risks of investing in a development-stage company, Mevion Medical Systems, Inc., without a proven product. Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services is included in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, Form 10-Q and 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, and the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 9, 2011.



CONTACT:

American Shared Hospital Services
Ernest A. Bates, M.D., (415) 788-5300
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
or
Berkman Associates
Neil Berkman, (310) 826-5051
President
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Surgery  Health  Hospitals  Medical Devices  Oncology  Radiology

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