A proposed update to the 2012 National Coverage Policy for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) would make it easier for hospitals to begin a TAVR program while slightly raising the procedure-volume requirements for maintaining a continuing TAVR program. The agency believes the new rules would balance the need to expand patient access to TAVR while ensuring the quality and safety of TAVR procedures covered by Medicare.
The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’s proposed update to the national coverage determination (NCD) for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) would make the policy's procedure-volume requirements for starting a TAVR program more flexible.
“Our proposed modifications to the hospital and heart team operator volume requirements reflect our intent to strike a balance between...