GE wants on the T-wave
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
CMS accepts GE Healthcare's request Aug. 17 to consider national coverage of its Marquette modified moving average (MMA) microvolt T-wave alternans test. MTWA tests are used to risk stratify patients for cardioverter defibrillator implants. Based on lack of evidence, a March 2006 CMS coverage decision excludes the MMA method - cleared for risk stratification in 2003 - and only covers Cambridge Heart's HearTwave II test, which uses a proprietary spectral analysis algorithm (1"The Gray Sheet" March 27, 2006, p. 18). GE says studies published in 2007 show MMA's equivalence to the spectral method. CMS is accepting initial comments on the reconsideration until Sept. 17 and will issue a proposed decision by Feb. 17...