The American College of Cardiology (ACC), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) released the following joint statement on the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) national coverage determination released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
"The American College of Cardiology, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions appreciate CMS's efforts to evolve Medicare coverage for TAVR and enhancing access to more patients as the evidence supporting this therapy continues to grow.
As TAVR expands into new patient populations, it is critical to preserve the quality framework that has contributed to its success. The preservation of the Heart Team, continued collaboration across specialties, collection of Real-World Evidence, outcomes monitoring, and continuous quality improvement are the foundation of ensuring and improving outcomes for our patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Participation in national registries, externally benchmarked quality programs and rigorous outcomes reporting remain essential to preserving the high standards of care that have defined TAVR's success. The societies will continue to support the STS/ACC TVT Registry and other quality initiatives that promote evidence generation, patient safety, continuous improvement and health care value across the cardiovascular community."
Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC
President, The American College of Cardiology
Vinay Badhwar, MD, FACS, FACC
President, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
J. Dawn Abbott, MD, MSCAI
President, Society of Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
About The American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
About The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 8,000 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society’s mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.
About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit www.scai.org .
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