Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension
Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Date: July 10, 2025
Key Summary Points
1. Proposed CMS Decision:
• CMS proposes to cover radiofrequency (rfRDN) and ultrasound (uRDN) renal denervation under a Coverage, for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
2. Patient Eligibility Criteria:
• Diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 140/90 mmHg) despite stable, maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy for at least 3 months.
• Diagnosis confirmed by ambulatory or serial home BP monitoring.
• Excludes patients with eGFR < 40, renal artery stenosis >50%, renal tumors, fibromuscular dysplasia, or pregnancy.
• Must have no prior RDN procedure.
• Referred by a primary BP management clinician after ≥6 months of follow-up and ≥3 encounters (2 in-person).
3. Physician Requirements:
. The referring clinician should have a long-term role in managing the patient’s blood pressure, not just a one-time consultation.
• RDN operators must have endovascular skills or complete hands-on training (5–10 proctored/supervised RDN cases per device).
