The National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS), supporting the national coverage analysis for renal denervation (RDN) as a treatment for uncontrolled hypertension.
Hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., affecting nearly half (48.1%) of adults, with fewer than one in four having it under control. Among Medicare beneficiaries, just over half (53.4%) manage to control their blood pressure.
Uncontrolled hypertension is a major driver of cardiovascular and kidney disease, contributing to rising Medicare costs.
The National Forum highlights RDN as a safe, effective treatment for patients whose blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle changes and medication. Leading medical societies, including the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and the Society for Vascular Medicine, support RDN for its proven benefits.
However, without Medicare coverage, few beneficiaries will have access to this life-saving therapy. To reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases, the National Forum urges CMS to expedite the national coverage determination process for RDN.
Read the full comments here.
