Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
Effective March 27, 2007, new facility criteria is established and hospitals must now receive certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations under their Disease Specific Certification Program for VADs. Currently approved hospitals will have until March 27, 2009, to become certified by the Joint Commission or they will be removed from the approved list.
This revision is a national coverage determination (NCD). NCDs are binding on all carriers, fiscal intermediaries, quality improvement organizations, qualified independent contractors, the Medicare Appeals council, and administrative law judges (ALJs) (see 42 CFR section 405.1060(a)(4) (2005)). An NCD that expands coverage is also binding on a Medicare advantage organization. In addition, an ALJ may not review an NCD. (See section 1869(f)(1)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act.)
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: April 13, 2007
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