CMS Jolts Shockwave; Ups Payment For Coronary Artery Disease Treatment

The US Medicare agency increased payment for peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) procedures in a final rule. The increase is good news for Shockwave Medical, whose proprietary IVL treatment uses a novel approach to treating calcified arteries.

Broom Sweeping Out Arteries
• Source: Alamy

In its final payment schedule released on 2 November, the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reassigned the payment for peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) procedures performed on above-the-knee (ATK) arteries in the hospital outpatient setting for calendar year 2022. The resulting payment increases for the procedures take effect on 1 January.

Included in the final rule are new Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) assignments for three Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)...

More from Policy & Regulation

Medicare Tricuspid Regurgitation Coverage Decision Big Win For Abbott

 

Medicare beneficiaries with tricuspid regurgitation will now have access to an innovative treatment from Abbott that offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.

Warning Letters – June 2025

The US FDA posted eight device-related warning letters in June, touching on industry sectors from urinalysis test strips to ophthalmic devices.

Study: FDA’s Breakthrough Path Speeds Access, But Raises Safety Questions

 
• By 

Research recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the FDA met its review timeline goals for the majority of breakthrough devices – but also revealed some apparent shortcomings in safety data supporting the submissions.

Burden Is Too Heavy For Medtechs To Go It Alone On Complex Medtech AI Projects

 

Medtech companies require expertise to navigate complex AI regulations and integrate AI in medical software while addressing regulatory challenges, claims expert AI consultant with medtech experience.

More from Medtech Insight

Medtech Will Benefit From Boost To EU’s Quantum Technology Initiative

 

The European Commission is focusing on how tiny particles behave to help create an EU industrial “powerhouse.”

Medtronic, Philips Cement New Pact To Embed Next-Gen Tech In Monitoring Platforms

 
• By 

Under the terms of the new agreement, Philips will also begin bundling essential supplies – including ECG, noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) components, and batteries – with its Medtronic-enabled monitors.

Bivacor Rotary Heart Could Upend The Artificial Heart Market, If It Reaches Its Destination

 
• By 

Bivacor aims to be first to the US market with a permanent total artificial heart, starting with use as a bridge to transplant. CMO William Cohn says data from countries with low transplant rates could support pivotal trials and long-term use.