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Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) as Destination Therapy

Effective for claims with dates of service on or after November 9, 2010, CMS has determined that the evidence is adequate to conclude that VAD implantation as destination therapy improves health outcomes and is reasonable and necessary when the device has received FDA approval for a destination therapy indication and only for patients with NYHA Class IV end-stage ventricular heart failure
who are not candidates for heart transplant and who meet all specific conditions.

Download the Guidance Document

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: December 08, 2010

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.