HeartFlow has announced that UnitedHealthcare now covers its HeartFlow FFRct Analysis system; UnitedHealthcare is the largest insurer in the USA and, therefore, the announcement means that more than 235 million people. According to a press release, this significantly advances HeartFlow’s mission of transforming cardiovascular care.
In a new coverage decision, UnitedHealthcare also chose to adopt the medical policy for coronary CT angiogram from eviCore, an evidence-based specialty benefits management company. The policy allows for the use of a coronary CT angiogram as a first-line test for symptomatic individuals, removing the need for a standard stress test prior to conducting a coronary CT angiogram. Additionally, the HeartFlow Analysis is now approved to further assess coronary disease seen on a coronary CT angiogram that is of uncertain physiological significance.
The press release reports that HeartFlow Analysis is a non-invasive technology that uses a coronary computed tomography (CT) angiogram to create a personalised 3D model of the heart and simulate blood flow in order to help clinicians diagnose and treat people with suspected coronary artery disease.
John H Stevens, president and chief executive officer of HeartFlow, comments: “This decision by UnitedHealthcare underscores the significant value that the HeartFlow Analysis brings to payers, physicians and patients, from both a clinical and economic standpoint. Not only is the HeartFlow Analysis now accessible to tens of millions of additional people, but this advancement also positions HeartFlow as an integral part of the standard approach to heart disease diagnosis and treatment.”
