CVRx has announced that the American Medical Association (AMA) has accepted new current procedural terminology (CPT) Category I codes for a baroreflex activation therapy, known as Barostim, to treat heart failure symptoms.

This significant development is set to improve reimbursement processes and widen patient access to this treatment.

Led by the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), this effort received support from the American College of Cardiology, among others.

These codes are slated for implementation on 1 January 2026. Until then, US healthcare providers will continue using existing category III codes for Barostim procedures.

The acceptance of these codes by the AMA CPT editorial panel reflects the growing use of the Barostim therapy and its substantiated clinical benefits.

CVRx CEO Kevin Hykes said: “We are very pleased that the AMA’s CPT Editorial Panel approved the conversion to Category I codes.

“The Category I code designation represents an important milestone for the company and is a testament to the increased adoption, safety, and effectiveness of Barostim as an important option for patients suffering from the debilitating symptoms of heart failure. We greatly appreciate the support and guidance that SVS and ACC provided throughout this process.”

The move followed CVRx's recent report of lasting improvements in heart failure patients using its Barostim device over 24 months.

CVRx received the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval for the Barostim system in August 2019. Claimed to be the world’s first heart failure neuromodulation device, Barostim is an implantable device that sends electrical pulses to baroreceptors situated in the carotid artery wall.