Medicare May Cover More ICDs

Medicare May Cover More ICDs

October 2004
Volume IV, Number 4

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced plans to expand coverage of implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices (ICDs) for heart failure patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. While supportive of the decision, heart experts are urging even greater access to the proven therapy.

The new guidelines would limit coverage to patients with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent and exclude Class IV patients who require cardiac resynchronization therapy. In addition, a proposed registry may delay patients receiving the potentially life-saving therapy, experts say.

"We look forward to submitting comments and working with CMS to address these concerns," said Heart Rhythm Society president Dr. Stephen Hammill in a press release.

Currently, CMS reimburses for ICD therapy only in people with heart failure due to coronary artery disease. A landmark study called SCD-HeFT shows the devices save lives in heart failure patients whose condition was not caused by clogged arteries. A final decision is expected by February.