News

SIR reviewed the CMS final decision memo on renal denervation (RDN) posted on Oct. 28, following our recommendations on Aug. 8, to support broader, evidence-based access while maintaining safety and competency standards. Several SIR recommendations were reflected in the final CMS decision, including aligning contraindication and eGFR criteria with FDA device labeling and allowing greater flexibility in physician training by specifying that proctoring applies only to the devices used in practice.

However, CMS maintained more restrictive criteria in other areas, such as defining uncontrolled hypertension as >140/90 mmHg, requiring 6 months of management before referral, and mandating inclusion of a hypertension navigator in facility programs. SIR continues to advocate for expanding access, refining definitions, and increasing flexibility to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.