ARTICLE SUMMARY:
In this week’s Pathways Picks: Device official advocates on Capitol Hill for better clinical AI reimbursement; CMS publishes Medicare Advantage coverage guidance; global harmonization group finalizes health equity principles; Germany updates digital health reimbursement scheme; and more from Canada, Switzerland, Italy, and US FDA.
Reimbursement Picks
AI and Medicare Advantage:
AI on the Hill. CMS should establish a new “temporary and separate” payment mechanism for FDA-authorized AI-driven clinical tools based on manufacturer-supplied cost data, Siemens Healthineers’ Peter Shen told lawmakers last week. The executive, who heads Digital & Automation for Siemens’ North American business, testified before the Senate Finance Committee February 8 during a hearing on the “promise and pitfalls” of AI in healthcare. Currently, reimbursement for vetted AI tools is inconsistent and unpredictable, Shen noted, arguing a five-year temporary Medicare payment “will allow for better adoption of AI to help CMS collect more data to evaluate the overall value of [algorithm-based healthcare services] to patients.”
