Medicare Coverage for Watchman

I am 67 recently diagnosed with PAF. I will be trying to arrange an ablation sooner than later as I feel that is the best route to go. Many of the electrophysiologists in my area are doing simultaneous placement of Watchman at the time of ablation. Since with my CHA₂DS₂-VASc score used to calculate stroke risk is 2(Age, High Blood Pressure) my general Cardiologist wants me to be on Eliquis. I really want to avoid that long term as I still want to be able to ski, surf, do long sailing trips and so on.

From what I have read you need a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 3( more risk factors)to qualify for coverage of a Watchman under Medicare. Does anyone know if they are strict on this--or if my Electrophysiologist feels it is indicated then it would be covered?

Do you have any bleeding disorders? Kidney function low? Active job or risk of falling?
[www.pennmedicine.org].

Medicare:
As long as its medically necessary

[www.healthline.com]

I have a solitary kidney due to having the other one removed years ago for a tumor. My kidney function is actually normal though. I probably hit my head hard at work once or twice a year due to the fact I’m tall and there are many low hanging monitors around in my work environment. My falls are mostly in the sports I do like snowboarding. I do travel to remote areas often for vacation and volunteer work where medical care is several hours away. Seems like I would have a lot of good reasons to avoid blood thinners but not sure if Medicare will consider me high enough risk with just Hypertension and age 67. Guess I will just have to see.

You can find out if Medicare will pay by answering this questionnaire. The only annoying thing about it is they want your email to send you the results.

If you use an iPhone you can use a generated iCloud hide my email address



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/2025 08:41PM by susan.d.