NeuroPace announces Medicare reimbursement increases for RNS System

NeuroPace (NPCE) announced Medicare reimbursement updates for the RNS System under both the CY 2026 OPPS and Medicare PFS final rules. In the CY 2026 Medicare PFS final rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services significantly increased professional payment for neurosurgeons who implant and replace the RNS System. Payment rates increased by approximately 43% for initial implant procedure and 45% for the replacement procedure. Separately, in the CY 2026 OPPS final rule, CMS has reassigned RNS System replacement procedures from APC 5464 to APC 5465, increasing the average hospital Medicare reimbursement for RNS System replacements by 47% beginning January 1, 2026. “We are encouraged by CMS’ decision to meaningfully increase physician payment for RNS neurostimulator implant and replacement procedures,” said Joel Becker, CEO of NeuroPace. “These changes better reflect the physician resources used in treating patients with RNS therapy and, over time, should further support neurosurgeon adoption and procedure growth. We appreciate CMS’ decision to reassign RNS System replacement procedures to the highest-paying APC level for neurostimulators, which is a better reflection of the hospital resources required for these cases. As replacement procedures become an increasingly meaningful contributor to our business over time, this decision should provide a helpful tailwind while supporting sustained access for Medicare beneficiaries treated in the outpatient setting.”