Medicare Panel Laments Holes In Ventricular Assist Device Evidence Base

CMS does not currently have a national coverage determination process open on ventricular assist devices for heart failure, though the agency may open a new one, an agency official said.

A Medicare advisory panel has concluded that while ventricular assist devices can play a key role in managing end-stage heart failure, there are still considerable holes in the evidence base, particularly for patients who have less advanced disease.

CMS convened the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee at its Baltimore headquarters on Nov. 14 to gather independent...

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