The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule on Friday, November 1.
Of note, SCAI had requested a status indicator change to allow for the use of assistant surgeons for the following cardiac valve procedure codes:
| 37211 |
Transcatheter therapy, arterial infusion for thrombolysis other than coronary or intracranial, any method, including radiological supervision and interpretation, initial treatment day |
| 37212 |
Transcatheter therapy, venous infusion for thrombolysis, any method, including radiological supervision and interpretation, initial treatment day |
| 37242 |
Vascular embolization or occlusion, inclusive of all radiological supervision and interpretation, intraprocedural road mapping, and imaging guidance necessary to complete the intervention; arterial, other than hemorrhage or tumor (e.g., congenital or acquired arterial malformations, arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms) |
| 37197 |
Transcatheter retrieval, percutaneous, of intravascular foreign body (e.g., fractured venous or arterial catheter), includes radiological supervision and interpretation and imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) when performed |
While CMS did not agree to change the indicator to 2, where an assistant surgeon would always be allowed, CMS did agree to change the indicator from 1, which is not payable, to 0, which allows for payment for an assistant surgeon when supporting documentation establishes medical necessity.
SCAI appreciates this change to allow for an assistant surgeon for the most complex procedures.
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