CMS is considering whether to provide Medicare coverage for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and is requesting evidence speaking to the health outcomes attributable to the use of LSG in the Medicare population, according to the CMS solicitation and an Internal Medicine News report.
LSG is a bariatric procedure in which most of the stomach is removed and a surgeon shapes the remaining stomach into a tube or "sleeve."
CMS is requesting public comment on whether there is adequate evidence, including clinical trials, for evaluating health outcomes of LSG for the indications listed in the current bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity National Coverage Determination.
Medicare only currently covers three bariatric procedures: open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding; and open and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Beneficiaries must also meet certain BMI, comorbidity and treatments requirements for coverage.
CMS is seek public comment until Oct. 30, with plans to issues a proposed decision memo on March 30, 2012, and a National Coverage Analysis completion date of June 28, 2012.
Instructions for submitting public comments can be found by clicking here.
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