UnitedHealthcare Expands Heartflow Technology Access Nationwide
In a significant milestone for healthcare technology, Heartflow, Inc., a leader in artificial intelligence solutions for coronary artery disease (CAD), has announced groundbreaking news: UnitedHealthcare plans nationwide will now cover the innovative Heartflow Plaque Analysis. This exciting update represents a major advancement in patient access to advanced diagnostic tools, reflecting the ongoing transformation in cardiovascular care.
Comprehensive Coverage Across UnitedHealthcare Plans
UnitedHealthcare has officially aligned its policies to include Heartflow Plaque Analysis across multiple plan types, including Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Community plans. This coverage change emphasizes the insurer's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies that enhance patient care. It marks the first time that an insurer has adapted its guidelines so comprehensively to include Heartflow's solutions.
Advancing Patient Access and Outcomes
Heartflow's President and CEO, John Farquhar, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this coverage decision, stating, "UnitedHealthcare’s decision to cover Heartflow Plaque Analysis nationwide is a tremendous step in advancing patient access to our proven AI-driven plaque technology." He highlighted that this initiative aligns with real-world applications of innovations that can vastly improve the way coronary artery disease is diagnosed and managed.
Effective Date for Coverage Implementation
The updated coverage policy will take effect on October 1, 2025, particularly benefiting patients experiencing acute or stable chest pain with mild-to-moderate narrowing of the coronary arteries (1-70% stenosis) as revealed through coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). This expansion is likely to lead to an increased adoption of Heartflow technology within healthcare practices, allowing for more tailored treatment options based on patient-specific data.
Innovative AI-Enabled Solutions for Better Patient Care
Heartflow Plaque Analysis stands out as the only FDA-cleared, AI-powered, noninvasive tool available for plaque quantification. Clinical trials have demonstrated a remarkable 95% agreement with the traditional gold standard, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). This innovative tool catalyzes a shift in medical management, with over half of the patients experiencing changes in their care based solely on the results from CCTA combined with Heartflow analysis.
Supporting Evidence for Expanded Use
The recent expansion follows compelling data from clinical outcomes presented in the DECIDE registry. It revealed that changes in management informed by Heartflow Plaque Analysis led to significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels, translating to an estimated 15% reduced risk of cardiac events. This evidence underscores the pivotal role Heartflow Plaque Analysis can play in guiding effective therapy and interventions for patients with CAD.
A Commitment to Transforming Cardiovascular Care
Heartflow is on a mission to revolutionize the approach to coronary artery disease, striving to convert it from a leading cause of death into a manageable condition. The prevalence of CAD is alarming, with estimates suggesting one heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. With more than 1,400 healthcare institutions already integrating Heartflow's technologies, the goal remains to expand access to this advanced care for a diverse patient demographic.
About Heartflow, Inc.
Heartflow, Inc. is dedicated to transforming how coronary artery disease is screened, diagnosed, and managed. Their flagship platform, Heartflow One, offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach that guides clinicians through the CCTA process. This state-of-the-art AI-driven platform encompasses several analyses, including Roadmap™ Analysis and FFR-CT Analysis, supported by leading medical organizations and extensive peer-reviewed research. More than 400,000 patients worldwide have benefited from Heartflow’s innovations, exemplifying their commitment to enhancing cardiovascular care.
Media and Investor Contacts
Media Contact:
Elliot Levy
elevy@heartflow.com
Investor Contact:
Nick Laudico
nlaudico@heartflow.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartflow Plaque Analysis?
Heartflow Plaque Analysis is a noninvasive tool designed to help healthcare providers quantify plaque in coronary arteries through advanced AI technology.
Who will benefit from this coverage by UnitedHealthcare?
This coverage will benefit patients experiencing chest pain and mild-to-moderate coronary artery narrowing, allowing access to advanced diagnostic technology.
When does the new coverage take effect?
The updated coverage policy for Heartflow Plaque Analysis will be effective from October 1, 2025.
What sets Heartflow technology apart?
Heartflow's technology is unique as it is FDA-cleared, AI-enabled, and has shown a high agreement rate with traditional invasive methods like IVUS.
How many patients have been helped by Heartflow tools?
Heartflow's technologies have assisted over 400,000 patients globally, showcasing its effectiveness in improving cardiovascular care.
