CVRx’s Barostim Procedure Receives Increased Inpatient Payment From CMS

August 2, 2024—CVRx, Inc. announced that the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has reassigned the company’s Barostim implant procedure for the inpatient setting as part of the FY2025 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System final rule.

For FY2025, Barostim will be reassigned to MS-DRG 276, which carries a national average payment of approximately $43,000. The new payment takes effect October 1, 2024.

The company noted that in FY2024, Barostim was assigned to MS-DRGs 252, 253, 254 with a national average payment range of $17,000 to $23,000.

According to CVRx, the Barostim system uses neuromodulation to improve the symptoms of heart failure. The implantable device delivers electrical pulses to baroreceptors located in the wall of the carotid artery that then activate the body’s baroreflex and trigger an autonomic response to the heart. The therapy is designed to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and thereby reduce the symptoms of heart failure.

In the United States, Barostim is FDA approved for use in heart failure patients. It has also received the CE Mark for use in heart failure and resistant hypertension in the European Economic Area, advised the company.

“We applaud CMS’ consideration and recognition of the resource requirements associated with the Barostim implant procedure,” commented CVRx President and CEO Kevin Hykes in the company’s press release. “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.”