Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Heart on Heart Rhythm Background Concept stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Dec 1, 2022

Find out if you qualify

Medicare beneficiaries who stay vigilant in preventing strokes might already know about the WATCHMAN procedure. What you need to know is that Medicare offers coverage for it. You do have to meet certain criteria, though. Keep reading to find out if you might qualify.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is the WATCHMAN procedure?

The WATCHMAN procedure is a non-surgical option for people with atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It’s an FDA-approved device that’s placed within the left atrial appendage (LAA) to close it off and keep blood clots from forming there. Once it's in place, the WATCHMAN device helps reduce the risk of stroke in people with AFib.

Who is eligible for Medicare coverage of the WATCHMAN procedure?

In order for Medicare to cover the WATCHMAN procedure, you must meet certain criteria. Medicare will cover the WATCHMAN procedure for those who meet the following:
  • Increased risk for stroke
  • Not being able to take long-term blood thinning medications
  • You must also have a referral from your doctor and be seen by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation.
If you are approved, Medicare will cover all of the device-related costs associated with the WATCHMAN procedure. This includes the doctor’s office visit and hospital stay for the procedure, which will be covered Part A. Part B will cover any follow-up care related to the device placement.

How to find a doctor who performs the WATCHMAN procedure

If you are interested in the WATCHMAN procedure, it’s important to find a doctor who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation. Medicare providers can help you locate an EP in your area that has experience with the WATCHMAN procedure.
When reviewing doctors and making appointments, make sure to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. It’s also important to confirm that the doctor accepts Medicare before moving forward with any kind of treatment.

What are the risks and benefits of having the WATCHMAN procedure done?

The WATCHMAN procedure is generally safe and effective, however there are some potential risks associated with it. These include bleeding, stroke or device-related complications such as infection or damage to the implant site.
The benefits of having the procedure done include a reduced risk for stroke compared to those who do not receive treatment, as well as a decreased need for long-term blood thinning medications.

How to prepare for the WATCHMAN procedure

Prior to your WATCHMAN procedure, you’ll need to meet with your doctor and discuss any allergies or medical conditions that may be a risk factor in the procedure. You should also inform any other doctors who are treating you about the procedure so they can monitor your health accordingly. Additionally, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking and ask about how to prepare for the procedure, including when to stop taking certain medications. You may also need to fast before the WATCHMAN procedure, so make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

What happens after the WATCHMAN procedure is completed?

After the procedure, you will likely be monitored in a hospital for at least 24 hours. This is to make sure that you do not experience any complications from the procedure or device placement. You may need to stay on blood thinners for several months following your WATCHMAN procedure and then your physician can help determine if it’s safe to stop taking them. Additionally, you should follow-up with your doctor regularly to make sure that the device is functioning properly and that your body is healing correctly.

Takeaway

The WATCHMAN procedure can be an effective way for people with atrial fibrillation to reduce their risk of stroke. Knowing if you qualify for Medicare coverage will help make this decision easier, so it’s important to confirm that you meet the criteria and find a doctor who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation. Before undergoing the procedure, remember to talk to your doctor to ensure this is the right choice for you. This content is for informational purposes only. For all your Medicare questions, we are here for you at Fair Square Medicare. Call today to speak with an expert.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Fair Square
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Aug 25, 2022
heart surgery stock image
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
Jan 27, 2023
Cover image
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
Jun 28, 2023
Heart on Heart Rhythm Background Concept stock photo
Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?
Dec 1, 2022
Cover image
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
Sep 20, 2023
Medigap stock image
When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
Nov 18, 2022
various people wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic stock photo
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
Mar 3, 2023
Cover image
Will Medicare Cover it?
Oct 3, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022
surgeons working over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Nov 30, 2022
Older woman during an eye exam
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Jan 11, 2023
Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
Dec 9, 2022
Cover image
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Jul 12, 2023
All Book Retention Data
2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report
Mar 4, 2025
Ozempic stock image
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023
COVID-19 at home test stock image
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Dec 21, 2022
Washington DC stock image
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.
Mar 11, 2023
senior man receiving dental care stock photo
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Jun 2, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M