Effective October 28, 2025, Medicare covers Renal Denervation (RDN) for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). RDN is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency or ultrasound energy to help lower blood pressure. Coverage is available only through a CMS-approved clinical study under Medicare’s Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) policy.  

To qualify, patients must have blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher despite treatment. The diagnosis must be confirmed by home or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Patients must have tried recommended medications and lifestyle changes for at least six weeks. Other causes of high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea or hormone issues, must have been checked and treated. Patients must have no medical reasons that would make RDN unsafe. Their primary doctor must have managed blood pressure for at least six months with three visits, no more than two of which were virtual. Patients must never have had an RDN procedure before.

RDN must be performed by doctors with specialized training in interventional procedures. The procedure must take place in a facility with a hypertension care program, imaging capabilities, and an appropriate interventional suite.

RDN is covered only when performed as part of a CMS-approved clinical study registered on NCBI. These studies follow strict standards, include an active comparison group, and track outcomes such as blood pressure, kidney function, and heart health for at least 24 months. Studies also analyze results by age, kidney disease stage, and other factors. RDN procedures performed outside of a CMS-approved study are not covered by Medicare.

This summarizes CMS Transmittal 14302 NCD 20.40.

Starting October 28, 2025, Medicare covers Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) for certain patients with heart failure. CCM is a small device that sends electrical signals to the heart to help it pump more effectively.

Medicare only covers CCM if it is provided as part of a clinical research study approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) policy. These studies help gather more information about how well CCM works.

To qualify, the patient must meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved criteria for CCM and still have heart failure symptoms even after at least three months of recommended medications and treatments. Patients cannot receive CCM if they have any conditions listed as unsafe in the FDA instructions, have had a heart transplant, or are under 18 years old.

CCM and related services must be furnished within a CMS-approved clinical study registered on NCBI. These studies must follow strict rules. They look at important health outcomes like survival and hospital stays for heart failure over at least two years. They also compare CCM to other treatments and include a care plan for follow-up. Studies review results for different groups of patients, such as by age, other health conditions, type of heart disease, whether the patient has received Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT—a treatment that helps the heart’s chambers beat in sync), Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF—how well the heart pumps blood), blood pressure, and diabetes status. CCM for heart failure management is not covered outside a CMS-approved study.

This summarizes CMS Transmittal 13538 NCD 20.39