National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy

CAG-00002R

Issue

External Counterpulsation (ECP) is a noninvasive therapy developed for the treatment of coronary artery disease refractory to medical and/or surgical therapy. This therapy is performed using non-invasive external counterpulsation devices cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating a variety of cardiac conditions. Medicare coverage for its use in heart disease is limited to patients with stable angina pectoris who fulfill certain criteria (see Coverage Issues Manual (CIM) Section 35-74).

Recently, questions have arisen concerning Medicare coverage for similar devices cleared by the FDA for the treatment of non-cardiac conditions, particularly lower extremity circulatory disease. The Circulator Boot Corporation requests that HCFA revise CIM section 35-74, contending that HCFA has misinterpreted the original ECP evidence to include non-coverage of other end diastolic pneumatic compression devices intended for the treatment of non-cardiac conditions. In their request, the Circulator Boot Corporation states that "the evidence originally considered for this policy does not support HCFA's statement that other uses of this device and similar devices remain non-covered."

Accordingly, we are currently evaluating whether CIM 35-74 needs to be revised to limit the policy only to ECP devices intended for the treatment of stable angina pectoris. We are requesting that the public submit any information regarding whether CIM 35-74 is relevant to other end diastolic pneumatic compression devices for the treatment of non-cardiac conditions.

Benefit Category

Physicians' Services

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
Circulator Boot Corporation, Malvern, PA N/A
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
04/11/2001
Expected NCA Completion Date
07/10/2001
Public Comment Period
05/11/2001 - 06/11/2001
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
Decision Memo Released
07/10/2001

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Perry Bridger, MHS
Joe Chin, MD
Lead Medical Officers

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

July 10, 2001

Decision made. Please see Decision Memorandum.