Identify which of your AFib patients may benefit from the WATCHMAN Implant
The WATCHMAN Implant may be suitable for a broad range of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients and may be an appropriate option for those who:
Are at increased risk for stroke based on CHA2DS2-VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy*
Are suitable for short-term anticoagulation therapy†
Have an appropriate rationale to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to anticoagulation therapy
Note: Does not apply to patients who receive the WATCHMAN Implant concomitantly or sequentially with an AFib ablation**
Coverage remains unchanged. Under the CMS NCD, the patient must be deemed unable to take long-term OAC and meet all criteria in NCD 20.34 to be eligible for coverage. Commercial payer coverage policy requirements will vary.
Leverage our patient screening tools to determine your AFib patients' eligibility.
Designed to treat a broad range of patient types including but not limited to††
Past bleed
Patients who have a history of major or minor bleeding episodes
Increased risk of future bleed
- Patient's occupation or activities increase their risk of falling or bleeding
- Patient takes other medications beyond OACs that increase bleeding risk
- Patient has an increased bleeding risk not reflected by the HAS-BLED score or other factors caused by side effects of OACs
Increased risk of stroke
Patient has a history of stroke due to:
- Poor compliance with OAC therapy
- Inability to maintain internal normalized ratio (INR)
WATCHMAN patient referral process overview
1. Educate
Discuss benefits and risks of the WATCHMAN Implant, review procedure details, and share next steps for connecting with an implanting physician.
2. Document
Using a referral form, or inputting an eligibility summary into the patient's medical record (depending on the implanting physician's preferred method), document your consultation. This supplies the implanting physician access to all referral information.
3. Send
Send referral to the implanting physician, according to that physician's requirements.
Learn how WATCHMAN has positively impacted patients' quality of life
Patient perspective
Getting a WATCHMAN Implant has made a huge difference in Wayne’s life. Being very active, he immediately knew that the risks and side effects of blood thinners would hold him back from the life he wanted to live. After his implant procedure, he’s back to yoga, hiking, and volunteering — all without the worries of bleeding or stroke.
Cardiologist perspective
Cardiologists describe the impact WATCHMAN has had on their patients. Hear how after receiving the WATCHMAN Implant, patients were able to go back to their everyday activities without the worry of OAC bleed risk. Hear more about the different patient types who were candidates for the WATCHMAN Implant.
Explore examples of WATCHMAN candidates
*Increased Risk = CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥ 2 in men, ≥ 3 in women. CMS coverage criteria requires a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 3. Providers are encouraged to read the decision memo in its entirety for additional detail
†Option for immediate DAPT-only post-implant drug regimen for standalone WATCHMAN procedures.
††Documentation supporting medical necessity is required for coverage. ACC, HRS and SCAI issued a consensus memorandum to CMS in 2015 recognizing example scenarios that support alternatives to long-term OAC. Full list of rationales presented in 2015 ACC/HRS/SCAI Consensus Public Comment to CMS https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?proposed=N&NCAId=281&bc=AAAAAAAAQAAA&%20
**In the OPTION trial, sequential LAAC was a minimum of 90 days post AFib ablation (as a protocol-driven blanking period).