ACP to Present at July 20, 2016 MEDCAC Meeting
CMS calls MEDCAC meeting to discuss venous disease
San Leandro, CA – June 9, 2016 – As part of a coalition of organizations dedicated to evidence-based care of venous disease, the American Vein & Lymphatic Society (AVLS) submitted a joint presentation to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) meeting on treatment strategies for patients with lower extremity chronic venous disease.
“This meeting could have a significant impact on our members, the specialty and patients who suffer from chronic venous disease,” stated coalition chair Neil Khilnani, MD, FACPh. “As an advocate for the specialty, the AVLS and its coalition partners are ensuring the voice of the venous community is heard by CMS.”
The AVLS will present as part of a larger group of coalition member organizations, including: the Society for Interventional Radiology (SIR), American College of Cardiology (ACC), American College of Radiology (ACR), American Heart Association (AHA), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), Society for Vascular Medicine (SVM), American Vein & Lymphatic Society, Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, VIVA Physicians (Vascular Interventional Advances), and the US Compression Alliance. While not a part of the coalition, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) will also participate at MEDCAC independently.
This public meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2016. MEDCAC required presenters to submit presentations by June 13, 2016 for consideration, review and selection. While it does not set policy, MEDCAC makes recommendations to CMS regarding determinations for treatment and Medicare coverage.
The presentations will address a defined set of published CMS questions focusing on “the scientific evidence underpinning the benefit and risk of existing lower extremity venous disease interventions that aim to improve health outcomes in the Medicare population.” MEDCAC’s request covers multiple topic areas: The Burden of Venous Disease on the Patient, Evidence Supporting Intervention for Venous Reflux across the Spectrum of Venous Disease, Evidence Supporting Intervention in patients with previous DVT and remaining obstruction, Venous Treatment Disparities and Medicare Beneficiaries, Evidence Gaps in Venous Disease, and Improving the Evidence Base and Delivering Improved Care.
The MEDCAC meeting will also be streamed via the internet on July 20, 2016. The AVLS encourages all with an interest in the proceedings to view the live stream. A link will be sent via email to AVLS members closer to the July 20th date.
About the American Vein & Lymphatic Society
The American Vein & Lymphatic Society (AVLS) is the largest association in the United States for physicians and allied health professionals concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders, such as varicose and spider veins, venous ulcers and DVT. Comprised of more than 2,000 members, the AVLS is a forum to exchange medical knowledge, best practices and the latest treatment options, as well as offering continuing live and online education and training aimed at improving the quality of patient care. For nearly 30 years, the AVLS has been an advocate for the advancement of vein care through education, resources and research.
For more information about the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, visit www.phlebology.org.
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