ACC Announces New Medicare Reimbursement Policies for CCTA Exams

A recent analysis by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) focuses on updated payment policies for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) exams, crucial for hospitals to secure appropriate reimbursements in 2025 and beyond. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have introduced a significant policy change in the 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System, which more than doubles the Medicare reimbursements for CCTA, increasing the rate from $175 in 2024 to $357.13 in 2025.

Medical societies, including the ACC and the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, have lauded this update, reflecting years of advocacy for better payment policies. The policy change is essential for stakeholders involved in the ordering, performing, and billing of CCTA exams, ensuring alignment to maximize reimbursement. The ACC has emphasized the importance of educating hospital revenue cycles and billing departments on these changes to ensure correct coding and billing practices.

Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence, showcased by companies like HeartFlow and Cleerly, are transforming the interpretation of CCTA results, offering enhanced examinations of patients' heart health. This development underlines a broader movement in healthcare towards integrating technology for improved patient outcomes, as evidenced by trends observed at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting.