A group of interventional cardiologists, neurologists and vascular surgeons successfully petitioned Medicare to change its coverage determination for carotid stenting procedures.

Chair Lina M. Khan spoke about the topic during the closing keynote at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ annual meeting in Philadelphia.

During the past seven years, the availability of such products has continued to grow, with medical imaging accounting for 85% of digital health’s venture capital funding.

“The goal is to create a blood test that can be used in clinics to complement CT imaging assessment of lung nodules for cancer risk," UCLA radiologist Denise Aberle noted. 

Eliminating the previous “coverage with evidence development” requirement allows local MACs to dictate payment for such exams. 

The self-expanding valve, already approved by the FDA, was designed with three gold markers to boost implanter efficiency, an updated catheter tip and a more flexible delivery system.

Of the nearly 21,000 radiologists engaged in active patient care, 53% are age 55 or older, the college's EVP told lawmakers. 

The agency said Abiomed did not seek the necessary approvals for one Impella-related device and was slow to act on certain safety concerns.