Medicare payments surge for stents to unblock blood vessels in limbs

At a time of increasing scrutiny of procedures to open blocked heart arteries, cardiologists are turning to — and reaping huge payments from -- controversial techniques that relieve blockages in the arms and legs. Unlike heart procedures, which must be done in a hospital or outpatient facility, where oversight is typically more intense, the opening of the peripheral arteries and veins of the arms and legs can be done in a doctor's office. Medical experts are questioning the necessity of some of these treatments, and many believe the condition is more safely treated with drugs and exercise.