CMS THINKING 'NO' ON VNS COVERAGE FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said it may not provide reimbursement for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treatment-resistant depression because there is insufficient evidence the treatment is "reasonable and necessary."

The CMS is seeking public comments on its proposed noncoverage determination, and is "particularly interested in comments that include new evidence" it has not yet reviewed. The agency will make a final determination and issue a final decision memorandum after the comment period.

The decision memo can be viewed at www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdraftdecisionmemo.asp?id=195 (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdraftdecisionmemo.asp?id=195).