National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

Extracorporeal Immunoadsorption Using Protein A Columns for Rheumatoid Arthritis

CAG-00057N

Issue

Extracorporeal Immunoadsorption (ECI), using protein A columns, selectively removes circulating immune complexes and immunoglobulin from a patient's blood. The Coverage Issues manual, section 35-90, Extracorporeal Immunoadsorption (ECI) Using Protein A Columns for the Treatment of Patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) Failing Other Treatments, currently reads: "The use of protein A columns is covered by Medicare only for the treatment of ITP failing other treatments. Other uses of these columns are currently considered investigational and, therefore, not reasonable and necessary under the Medicare law (section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Act)." HCFA must evaluate whether the current literature supports expanding coverage to include the use of protein A columns for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

National Coverage Determinations

Benefit Category

Outpatient Hospital Services Incident to a Physician's Service

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
Internal Request N/A
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
02/03/2000
Expected NCA Completion Date
05/03/2000
Public Comment Period
03/05/2000 - 04/04/2000
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
Decision Memo Released
04/27/2000

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Poppy S. Kendall
Lead Medical Officers

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

February 3, 2000

Review initiated.

April 27, 2000