The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the immediate withdrawal of Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) related to skin substitute grafts and cellular and tissue-based products. These LCDs were intended for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers and were initially set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
For those seeking more information about the LCD process, CMS provides resources at https://www.cms.gov/cms-guide-medical-technology-companies-and-other-interested-parties/coverage/local-coverage-determination-process-and-timeline. Additionally, CMS's ongoing efforts to enhance payment accuracy and reduce unnecessary Medicare spending on skin substitutes are detailed in a press release available at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-modernizes-payment-accuracy-significantly-cuts-spending-waste.
Further insights into the changes can be found in the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule (CMS-1832-F), accessible at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/calendar-year-cy-2026-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-final-rule-cms-1832-f.
