decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2021 Issue 1 (January)
Rule speeds approvals for ‘breakthrough’ devices, other commercially covered services
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Article Overview
This article covers a CMS final rule that changes Medicare coverage policy for innovative technologies and revises the framework for determining when an item or service is reasonable and necessary. It also discusses the new Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology pathway for FDA breakthrough devices, the role of commercial payer coverage in the rule, and the continued importance of MAC, NCD, and LCD processes while additional guidance is developed. The article is relevant to providers, device manufacturers, compliance staff, and reimbursement professionals following Medicare coverage policy and FDA breakthrough device developments.
Why This Topic Matters
The rule may affect how quickly certain innovative devices and services become covered by Medicare and how coverage decisions are made in the near term. Readers involved in reimbursement, coverage policy, or device commercialization need to understand the policy framework and the pending guidance that will shape implementation.
Article Sections
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Until it kicks in, stick to current regs
Explains the timing of implementation and the interim status of current Medicare coverage processes while additional guidance is developed.
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Enter the ‘breakthrough’ adoption
Describes the new Medicare coverage pathway for innovative technologies and summarizes the broader policy context surrounding FDA breakthrough devices.
What You Will Learn
- How a CMS final rule updates Medicare coverage policy for innovative technologies
- How the rule relates to FDA breakthrough device review and approval
- What types of Medicare coverage processes remain in place pending further guidance
- Why the rule is significant for providers, manufacturers, and reimbursement stakeholders
Who Should Read This
- Medical device manufacturers
- Hospital and provider billing staff
- Reimbursement and coding professionals
- Compliance teams
- Payer policy analysts
- Healthcare attorneys and consultants
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