Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has demonstrated value as a first-line test for diagnosing coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients [1]. However, adoption and utilization of coronary CTA in clinical practice in the USA is challenged by the rate at which it is reimbursed. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the proposed 2021 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System (HOPPS) in August. The proposed payment rule will further reduce reimbursement for coronary CTA, for a total reduction of 33% since 2017.
How are healthcare providers reimbursed for coronary CTA?
- 75571: Coronary CT, without contrast, for the quantitative evaluation of coronary calcium
- 75572: Coronary CT, with contrast, for the evaluation of cardiac structure and morphology
- 75573: Coronary CT, with contrast, for the evaluation of cardiac structure and morphology in the setting of congenital heart disease
- 75574: Coronary CTA, coronary arteries and bypass grafts with contrast
Dr. Dustin Thomas, SCCT Advocacy Committee Chair, explained how CMS calculates reimbursement rates for procedures in the SCCT Webinar on CCTA Reimbursement. According to Dr. Thomas, CMS begins by estimating the cost of procedures based on information submitted to them annually by healthcare providers across the US. The cost reports submitted by healthcare systems includes all operational costs billed by the provider each year. CMS then references “chargemasters”–reports maintained by health systems that lists both CPT codes and charge rates—in combination with cost reports to determine a Cost to Charge Ratio. Finally, CMS multiplies the billing charge for a specific CPT code by the Cost to Charge Ratio to calculate the Estimated Cost for a procedure. The Estimated Cost calculated by CMS is used to determine a geometric mean reimbursement rate which allows CMS to group CPT codes based on the similarity of procedure and cost.
Challenges for Coronary CTA Reimbursement
Help Improve Reimbursement for Coronary CTA
- Ensure Standardization in Reporting: Capturing accurate data can help contribute to improving reimbursement rates for coronary CTA. Medical imagers should ensure the standardization of protocols, and check that reporting templates align with current SCCT and ACC reporting guidelines.
- Support Professional Societies including SCCT, ACC, and ACR: Professional societies have committed to continuing advocacy efforts for coronary CTA reimbursement. Collaborate with these groups to participate in helping improve methods for determining accurate costs of coronary CTA.
References
[1] Michael P., Lesser, J.R., Biga, C., Blankstein, R., Kramer, C.M., Min, J.K., Noack, P.S., Farrow, C., Hoffman, U., Murillo, J., Nieman, K., Shaw, L.J. (2020). Current Evidence and Recommendations for Coronary CTA First in Evaluation of Stable Coronary Artery Disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 76(11), 1358-1362.
Recent Comments