CVRx (Nasdaq:CVRX) announced today that CMS proposed to keep its Barostim implant procedure within a certain payment class.
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.
CMS proposed to keep Barostim as part of the New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) 1580. This comes with an associated payment of approximately $45,000 for procedures performed in the outpatient setting. The company also said it’s soliciting comments about the need for a Level 6 Neurostimulator APC.
Minneapolis-based CVRx expects CMS to publish its 2026 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) final rule in November. It expects that final rule to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
The proposal follows other positive Medicare developments for CVRx. In October 2024, CMS assigned Barostim to a higher-paying MS-DRG for inpatient procedures. That same month, Barostim got the nod to transition from Category III to Category I CPT codes as of Jan. 1, 2026.
CVRx says the reimbursement updates underscore Barostim’s clinical value, reinforcing its role in the heart failure care continuum.
“We appreciate CMS’ proposal to keep Barostim in APC 1580, ensuring appropriate payment for the Barostim implant procedure,” said Kevin Hykes, President and CEO of CVRx. “These reimbursement updates, along with the favorable proposed payment levels included in the recently released physician fee schedule, allow us to continue our progress toward expanding access to Barostim for patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, which we believe will help support its broader market adoption and long-term growth.”
