SCAI successfully advocated to change Anthem’s policy for Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices (pVADs). Until recently, Anthem had a negative coverage policy for pVADs that declared all pVAD “experimental and investigational,” which did not provide coverage.

SCAI initiated an educational campaign that recently concluded with a meeting of Anthem representatives and SCAI Government Relations Chair, Dr. Lyndon Box, and Co-Chair, Dr. Joaquin E. Cigarroa, and member and leading expert in the field, Dr. William O’Neill.

As a result, Anthem recently updated the pVAD coverage policy to include indications supporting coverage of pVADs. Under criteria noted in the policy, pVADs have been deemed "medically necessary" and will be covered. View the policy.