CMS Finalizes Streamlined TAVR Coverage Policy

CMS on Friday (June 21) finalized a streamlined coverage policy for transcatheter aortic valve replacements that reduces the number of procedures required to start or maintain a TAVR program. While the final policy is still based on the volume of hospital procedures, CMS says it will continue to follow medical societies’ work to develop TAVR-specific outcomes measures as possible replacements for the volume-based coverage policy. TAVR procedures replace aortic valves that have narrowed. The procedure has been covered under Coverage...