CMS reassigned Barostim for the inpatient setting as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule. In FY 2024, CMS assigned Barostim to MS-DRGs 252, 253, 254. That had a national average payment range of $17,000-$23,000.
Now, for FY 2025, the reassignment moves Barostim to MS-DRG 276. That category carries a national average payment of approximately $43,000, according to a news release. This new payment takes effect on Oct. 1, 2024, CVRx said.
“We applaud CMS’ consideration and recognition of the resource requirements associated with the Barostim implant procedure. We believe that reassignment to MS-DRG 276 will facilitate increased access to the therapy for patients with heart failure by establishing sufficient reimbursement for the procedure when performed in an inpatient setting,” said Kevin Hykes, President and CEO of CVRx.
Barostim delivers electrical pulses to baroreceptors in the wall of the carotid artery. The pulses activate the body’s baroreflex, triggering an autonomic response to the heart.
CVRx designed the therapy to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, reducing the symptoms of heart failure. The system holds FDA breakthrough device designation and FDA approval for use in heart failure patients in the U.S. It also holds CE mark approval for heart failure and resistant hypertension in Europe.
CVRx earlier this year announced positive data as part of an expanded FDA labeling for Barostim granted in December.
