Partial federal government shutdown
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
Coronary artery calcium scoring
Cardiac calcium scoring uses a CT to check for the buildup of calcium in plaque on the coronary arteries. This test identifies and quantifies a marker of coronary disease (plaque), believed to detect earlier stage of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) was first reviewed in 2009 as a diagnostic test for detection of CAD.
- In 2020, a review of CACS medical literature was conducted to determine if newly available published evidence could change the original coverage determination. The technology was not selected for rereview.
Status: Decision completed
Why is CACS being reviewed?
Concern about safety, cost, and efficacy regarding calcium scoring for cardiac disease. Concerns that technology is rapidly diffusing, has a radiation risk (especially cumulative), and is costly.
Primary criteria ranking
- Safety = Medium
- Efficacy = High
- Cost = High
Documents
| Type | Materials |
|---|---|
| Update literature (2020) | |
| Assessment (2009) |
Assessment timeline
- Draft report published: August 10, 2009
- Public comment period: August 10 to August 24, 2009
- Final report published: September 4, 2009
- HTCC public meeting: November 20, 2009