Over the past seven years, SCCT has worked diligently with CMS to increase reimbursement rates for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). As a result of that effort, CMS approved a temporary reclassification of CCTA into a higher Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC), APC 5572 (Level 2 Imaging with Contrast), as part of the CY25 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) final rule.

SCCT is therefore generally pleased that reimbursement under the CY 2026 HOPPS proposed rule for CCTA services and the APC adjustment reassignment and current rates more correctly reflects the clinical value of CCTA in improving cardiac care and aligns reimbursement more closely with the costs of delivering this service.

SCCT needs your help to keep this assignment and align payment with the value of cardiac care

Please submit a comment letter on the CY 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) proposed rule.

We are asking CMS to:

• Maintain the temporary reclassification of CCTA in APC 5572.
• Consider claims data over a longer timeframe: We need more time to engage hospitals on the removal of the edit and for billing software providers to implement modifications to reflect a broader revenue code choice.
• Educate hospitals and billing personnel: We request CMS provide more education to hospitals about submitting charges for cardiac CT using revenue codes that provide more accurate cost estimates. Provide public education and instruction through the CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN).

View SCCT comment letter (PDF)

• Full Text of HOPPS proposed ruling
• Download the sample template letter