The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said it intends to expand coverage of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the carotid artery with placement of an FDA-approved carotid stent. The move is designed to permit coverage for participants in a large FDA-mandated postapproval study for the newly approved device, according to CMS.
Previously, CMS had only covered PTA of the carotid artery concurrent with stent placement in clinical trials being conducted prior to FDA approval. FDA approval of the carotid stenting system means that it is no longer considered investigational and would not require an exemption, CMS said. CMS said it expects to finalize its decision and begin coverage shortly after the end of the required 30-day public comment period.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersSeptember 2, 2004
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