Heart Rhythm Society Applauds CMS' Expanded ICD Coverage Decision

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement
 attributable to Stephen C. Hammill, M.D., President, Heart Rhythm Society
 (formerly NASPE):
 
     "As the professional society for heart rhythm specialists who diagnose and
 treat patients with heart rhythm disorders and heart failure, we strongly
 support the final decision of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
 (CMS) to expand coverage of implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices
 (ICDs).  We eagerly await the details of their extended coverage decision,
 which is expected to be officially posted within the next seven days.
     "Considering that this decision will provide hundreds of thousands of
 patients with access to this lifesaving therapy, there is a critical need to
 ensure these devices are implanted by qualified and competent physicians to
 achieve optimal patient care.  We hope that CMS' final coverage decision
 encourages that physicians be certified as competent in this life-saving
 invasive procedure."
 
     The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science,
 education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and
 the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders.  Its mission is to
 improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal
 health care policies and standards.  The Society was incorporated in 1979, and
 has a membership of over 3,500 physicians and associated professionals in over
 65 countries around the world.  Its office is in Washington, DC.
 
 

SOURCE  Heart Rhythm Society