3D Heart Model Is Stress-Test Alternative, But Coverage Is Rare (Corrected)

A 3-D artery mapping device that builds a model of a patient’s heart is struggling to get Medicare coverage, despite having federal support, cost-savings benefits, and potential health breakthroughs.

Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) can approve or deny claims on medical equipment that help patients who suffer from certain conditions such as heart disease.

Device companies like HeartFlow may not get their products to these patients because only three out of seven MACs cover their HeartFlow FFRct Analysis in 23 states, including New York. The analysis gives physicians enough detail that some patients can avoid catheter-based X-rays and invasive surgery. In ...