CMS Raises Questions About New-Technology Payment Candidates

20 Apr 2015

Boston Scientific’s Watchman stroke device, Medtronic and Bard’s drug-coated balloons, Cardiovascular Systems atherectomy systems and two other devices each come in for criticism in the Medicare agency’s consideration of the next round of inpatient bonus payments for new technologies.

CMS has doubts about the new-technology add-on payment applications for all six fiscal year 2016 device applicants in the agency’s hospital inpatient proposed rule, including for drug-coated balloons, Boston Scientific Corp.’s Watchman left-atrial appendage stroke device and other cardiovascular and orthopedic products.

The proposal, issued April 17, does not include any up or down decisions. But the agency explains its take so...