You can expect new CPT codes for carotid stents to be released in November and put into effect Jan. 1.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Guidant Corporation's RX ACCULINK Carotid Stent System and cleared RX ACCUNET Embolic Protection System on Aug. 31. Both devices provide minimally invasive treatment alternatives to high-risk surgical patients.
Since 2001, CMS has only covered carotid artery stenting in clinical trials of investigational products the FDA has not yet approved. Recognizing that the FDA-required postapproval trial would not be covered under Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) regulations, the agencies worked together for a quick solution.
"Coverage for our carotid postapproval study is a huge result of a joint effort by the FDA and CMS," says Linda Dickes, the reimbursement and economics manager of Guidant Corporation in Santa Clara, Calif.
You should recognize the following key points, Dickes says:
Keep in mind: Every company obtaining an FDA-approved carotid stent and embolic protection device must conduct a postmarket study to "assess real-world physician experience with this important new therapy," says Bev Huss, endovascular solutions president of Guidant in Indianapolis.