New recommendations guide use of cardioversion treatment
FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
"The document, by design, addresses good medical practice, independent of reimbursement. There are many scenarios in which an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy device may be deemed ‘clinically appropriate’ but may not currently qualify for coverage by Medicare National Coverage Decision. This can leave the physician in the difficult position of making appropriate recommendations for use of an ICD that fall outside of the scope of NCD coverage. Professional societies need to continue to work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to resolve this issue and develop a mechanism for updating CMS ICD and CRT coverage on a regular basis," he said.
Dr. Hauptman and Dr. Estes serve on the Cardiology News Editorial Advisory Board. Dr. Russo has been a consultant to Biotronik, Guidant/Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and St. Jude Medical. Dr. Stainback had no relevant conflicts to disclose.
