The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded coverage of cardiac rehabilitation services to chronic heart failure patients. The decision memo  finalized changes to the national coverage determination for cardiac rehabilitation. Specifically, this includes “beneficiaries with stable, chronic heart failure defined as patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 percent or less and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II to IV symptoms despite being on optimal heart failure therapy for at least six weeks.”

The ACC worked with the American Heart Association, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Heart Failure Society of America last year to request this expansion. The change is effective immediately. CMS will publish additional guidance in the coming months.

Stay tuned to the ACC Advocate for updates.

Keywords: Chronic Disease, Ventricular Function, Left, Heart Failure, Stroke Volume, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.

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