Medicare program; criteria for Medicare coverage of lung transplants--HCFA. Notice with comment period.

This notice announces a Medicare national coverage decision for lung and heart-lung transplantations. Lung transplantation refers to the transplantation of one or both lungs from a single cadaver donor. Heart-lung transplantation refers to the transplantation of one or both lungs and the heart from a single cadaver donor. We have determined that, under certain circumstances, lung transplants and heart-lung transplants are a medically reasonable and necessary service when furnished to patients with progressive end-stage pulmonary or cardiopulmonary disease and when furnished by Medicare participating facilities that meet specific criteria, including patient selection criteria. DATES: This notice is effective February 2, 1995. For information on how this notice effects Medicare payment for lung and heart-lung transplants, see sections E and F of this notice.