CMS move could expand access to cardiac ablation through ASCs

Hospitals could see another popular procedure move to ambulatory surgery centers if it is reimbursed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Cardiac ablations are among a larger group of procedures CMS is considering adding to the list of procedures they would cover at ASCs and industry groups have advocated for their inclusion for years. Currently, the agency only reimburses the procedures in hospital and hospital outpatient settings.

CMS is accepting comments on the potential change through Sept. 15. Most stakeholders including clinicians, industry groups and medtech companies have expressed support for the proposal, citing improved patient access and lower costs, though there have been concerns raised about potential risks to patient safety.

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