National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Urge Urinary Incontinence

CAG-00058N

Issue

Sacral nerve stimulation, or sacral nerve neuromodulation, is defined as the implantation of a permanent device that modulates the neural pathways controlling bladder function by delivering controlled electrical impulses to the sacral nerves.

Currently, no national coverage decision is in place; and, therefore, coverage of this item and service is determined at the carrier level. HCFA will evaluate whether the current literature supports a national coverage policy for the use of sacral nerve stimulators.

Benefit Category

Prosthetic Devices

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
Internally generated N/A
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
01/31/2000
Expected NCA Completion Date
06/30/2001
Public Comment Period
03/01/2000 - 03/31/2000
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
Decision Memo Released
06/29/2001

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Anthony Norris
Lead Medical Officers
Mitchell Burken, M.D.

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

February 24, 2000

Referred to MCAC Medical and Surgical Procedures Panel, scheduled to meet on June 14 and 15, 2000. Referred to the Center for Health Plans and Providers (CHPP) for final benefit category determination.

April 12, 2000

Benefit category determination made by CHPP.

June 2, 2000

Because of the cancellation of the June Medical and Surgical Procedures Panel, sacral nerve stimulation will be referred to the October 17 and 18, 2000, panel meeting.

September 20, 2000

Technology Assessments (SNS and Urge incontinence, SNS and Urgency-Frequency Syndrome), Exclusion Tables, and Questions posed to MCAC for the October panel meeting posted.

October 18, 2000

MCAC Medical and Surgical Procedures Panel meeting held (Transcript).

December 1, 2000

Manuscript (accepted for publication) concerning SNS for patients with urinary retention sent to HCFA by Medtronic.

February 22, 2001

Executive Committee (EC)  of the MCAC met to act on the recommendations of the Medical and Surgical Procedures Panel. HCFA awaiting receipt of the signed EC meeting minutes, which serve as the formal MCAC recommendation.

May 1, 2001

HCFA receives signed MCAC minutes. Current due date for the decision memorandum is June 30, 2001 (60 days after receiving the formal MCAC recommendation).

June 29, 2001