CMS Approves NTAP for Renal Denervation

August 12, 2024—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued the Final Rule for FY2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems, which includes a New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) for renal denervation (RDN) procedures using new devices.

The NTAP currently applies to Recor Medical's Paradise ultrasound renal denervation (uRDN) and Medtronic's Symplicity Spyral catheter, the first two RDN platforms to enter the United States market. The platforms were each granted Breakthrough Device designations and ultimately gained US Food and Drug Administration approval in November 2023.

The NTAP will go into effect on October 1, 2024, and be in place for 3 years, noted Medtronic. Recor's announcement specified that the NTAP will use the ICD-10-PCS billing code X051329 for procedures done with its platform, provide up to an additional $14,950 in reimbursement on top of the regular Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group payment for an inpatient procedure.

“We greatly appreciate CMS’s support in helping Medicare beneficiaries gain access to innovative therapies like the Paradise uRDN system,” commented Recor President and CEO Lara Barghout in the company's press release. “Uncontrolled hypertension remains a top concern among physicians, with many patients remaining at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse consequences in spite of lifestyle changes and treatment with available medications. The availability of an NTAP for the Paradise uRDN system makes it possible for physicians to provide their patients with an additional therapeutic option that can help reduce their blood pressure.”

“Medtronic is pleased to see the final rule for the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral application for NTAP,” said Jason Weidman, SVP and President of the Coronary and Renal Denervation business in the Medtronic Cardiovascular portfolio in a company statement. “Although we expect a small number of inpatient renal denervation procedures, this a notable milestone in developing reimbursement for Symplicity Spyral.”