Advocacy Committee Update: SVU and SVS Submit Joint Comments on Medicare Policy Proposal

The SVU Advocacy Committee recently submitted comments, jointly with the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), on a Medicare policy proposal related to Non-Invasive Arterial Duplex Ultrasound of the Upper and Lower Extremities (Proposed LCD Nos. DL40276, DL40289; Billing & Coding Articles Nos. DA60315, DA60318).

This proposed policy from Novitas Solutions and First Coast Service Options, which impacts providers in 13 states and U.S. territories, outlines how arterial duplex ultrasound exams are covered for Medicare beneficiaries. SVU’s comments—developed in partnership with our legal advisors at Sidley-Austin LLP—commend the effort to ensure quality care while emphasizing several key points:

• Support for recognizing the importance of credentialed vascular technologists and accredited facilities.
• Recommendations to clarify allowable exam frequency and documentation requirements.
• Requests flexibility in performing arterial and venous exams together when medically necessary, and in completing multi-limb studies during a single patient visit.

By submitting this joint letter with SVS, SVU continues to advocate policies that protect patients’ access to high-quality vascular ultrasound services and support the professionals who provide them.