How Heart Specialists Benefit from Medicare’s TAVR Restrictions
Medicare is expected to announce a decision on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) coverage, which could impact millions of seniors. For 14 years, TAVR access has been restricted under a Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) requirement, limiting its use to clinical trials and specific hospitals. Professional societies like the Society for Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology have reportedly influenced these restrictive policies, potentially beyond clinical concerns, as the procedure represents a significant shift in heart valve treatment and revenue streams for specialists. AI