CMS Maintains NOPAIN Act Eligibility for ON?Q* and AmbIT* Infusion Pumps; Adds Game Ready* in 2026
MWN-AI** Summary
On February 3, 2026, Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed the continued eligibility of its ON-Q* and AmbIT* infusion pumps under the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act. This act, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, mandates CMS to pay separately for qualifying non-opioid drugs and devices from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, to enhance patient access to effective post-operative pain management alternatives.
The 2026 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Final Rule has now added the Game Ready* GRPro 2.1 system to the list of eligible devices, beginning January 1, 2026. This cryo-pneumatic compression therapy system has been validated by CMS to help reduce pain and swelling post-surgery, supported by clinical research.
Both the ON-Q and AmbIT infusion pumps will maintain their status, validated as effective replacements for opioids, bolstering the commitment to reducing opioid dependence through innovative alternatives. Each device has been assigned unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes eligible for separate payment when used in conjunction with covered procedures. Payments set by CMS are $2,008.72 for the ON-Q and AmbIT systems, and $1,997.16 for the Game Ready system, provided medical necessity is established.
Dave Pacitti, CEO of Avanos Medical, highlighted CMS' recognition of these devices' value, reaffirming their commitment to expanding access to safe, non-opioid pain management options. This initiative underscores Avanos Medical's focus on improving patient recovery outcomes while addressing significant healthcare challenges.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) recently gained validation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding its ON-Q® and ambIT® infusion pumps under the NOPAIN Act, which promotes non-opioid pain management alternatives to enhance patient care. The inclusion of the Game Ready® GRPro 2.1 system in the 2026 Medicare guidelines further solidifies Avanos' role in the transition away from opioid reliance in postoperative pain management.
The ongoing eligibility of these devices for separate Medicare payments through the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) presents a strategic advantage for Avanos. The ON-Q® and ambIT® systems have established their efficacy in reducing opioid prescriptions, supported by clinical research, which bodes well for continued uptake by healthcare providers seeking to adopt more effective pain management solutions.
With Medicare's calculated payment limits of $2,008.72 for the ON-Q® and ambIT® infusion systems and $1,997.16 for the Game Ready® device, Avanos is positioned to benefit from increased utilization as surgical facilities opt for qualifying non-opioid products that not only reduce postoperative pain but also mitigate the risk of opioid addiction.
Investors should consider that the recent affirmation from CMS indicates a stable growth trajectory for Avanos Medical. Moreover, with healthcare trends leaning towards non-opioid alternatives, Avanos stands to gain market share within an evolving sector focused on minimizing opioid use.
As they continue to forge partnerships with clinicians and policymakers, Avanos is likely to enhance its reputation as a key player in the medical technology landscape. Analysts recommend monitoring the company closely for developments in product uptake and subsequent financial performance, as their ability to adapt to changing healthcare regulations will ultimately drive long-term shareholder value.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
ALPHARETTA, Ga., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2026 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Final Rule. The Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act requires CMS to provide separate Medicare payment to facilities for qualifying non-opioid drugs and devices from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027. CMS expanded the list of qualifying products for 2026.
The NOPAIN Act, enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriation Act (CAA), 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), is designed to expand patient access to non-opioid drugs and devices used for post-operative pain management in Hospital Outpatient Department (HOPD) and ASC settings paid under OPPS. The legislation directs Medicare to provide separate payment for qualifying non-opioid pain management treatments, helping ensure that clinicians and patients have access to effective non-opioid alternatives after surgery. In the calendar year (CY) 2026 final rule, CMS confirmed that Game Ready* GRPro 2.1 cryo-pneumatic compression pain management system meets qualifying requirements for separate payment under the NOPAIN Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The Avanos ON-Q* elastomeric infusion pump and the Avanos ambit* electronic infusion pump - both non-opioid pain management delivery systems – will continue to receive separate payment under the NOPAIN Act as originally qualified in Jan. 2025. HOPDs and ASCs that use these products for post-surgical pain management will continue to receive separate Medicare payment under OPPS in addition to the payment for covered surgical procedures.
The ON-Q elastomeric and ambIT electronic infusion pumps were validated by CMS as treatments that can effectively replace or reduce postoperative opioid use, supported by clinical trial evidence and peer-reviewed research. The Game Ready GRPro 2.1 system was also validated by CMS as a cryo-pneumatic compression therapy used to reduce pain and swelling following surgery, supported by clinical research. These innovative non-opioid devices offer clinicians proven alternatives to traditional opioid-based pain management, helping to improve patient outcomes while reducing reliance on opioids after surgery.
Both ON-Q and ambIT infusion delivery systems each have a unique, brand-specific Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code eligible for separate payment in the HOPD and ASC settings. Game Ready GRPro 2.1 has also been assigned a unique, brand-specific HCPCS code (C9817) eligible for separate payment in the HOPD and ASC settings when medical necessity criteria and all other requirements are met. The payment limitation calculated and published by CMS is $2,008.72 for the ON-Q infusion system, $2,008.72 for the ambIT infusion system, and $1,997.16 for the Game Ready GRPro 2.1 pain management system, when deemed medically necessary and used in conjunction with a covered surgical procedure.
"We applaud CMS for recognizing the value of ON?Q and ambIT pumps and the Game Ready system under the NOPAIN Act," said Dave Pacitti, CEO of Avanos Medical. "This decision reinforces CMS' commitment to expanding patient access to safe, effective, non?opioid pain management options. We remain dedicated to partnering with clinicians and policymakers to advance proven solutions that help reduce opioid dependence and improve recovery outcomes."
For more information on ON-Q elastomeric infusion pump, ambIT electronic infusion pumps, and Game Ready GRPro 2.1 cryopneumatic compression device inclusion under the NOPAIN Act, please click here: Avanos NOPAIN Act.
For inquiries regarding the NOPAIN Act, contact our Market Access and Reimbursement Team at reimbursement@avanos.com.
To view the Final Rule in its entirety, visit the Federal Register.
About Avanos Medical
Avanos Medical (NYSE: AVNS) is a medical technology company focused on delivering clinically superior medical device solutions that will help patients get back to what matters. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Avanos is committed to addressing some of today's most important healthcare needs, including providing a vital lifeline for nutrition to patients from hospital to home, and reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. Avanos develops, manufactures and markets its recognized brands globally and holds leading market positions in multiple product categories. For more information, visit www.avanos.com and follow Avanos Medical on X (@AvanosMedical), LinkedIn and Facebook.
*Registered Trademark or Trademark of Avanos Medical, Inc., or its affiliates. © 2018-2026 AVNS. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Avanos Medical
FAQ**
How does the continued eligibility of ON-Q and ambIT infusion pumps under the NOPAIN Act impact Avanos Medical Inc. AVNS's revenue projections for 2026 and beyond?
What clinical evidence supported the inclusion of the Game Ready GRPro 2.1 system in the NOPAIN Act as announced by Avanos Medical Inc. AVNS, and how might it influence adoption rates in surgical settings?
Given the separate payment rates set by CMS for the ON-Q, ambIT, and Game Ready systems, how is Avanos Medical Inc. AVNS strategizing to leverage these reimbursements to enhance its market position?
What plans does Avanos Medical Inc. AVNS have in place to educate clinicians and policymakers about the effectiveness of its non-opioid pain management solutions within the framework of the NOPAIN Act?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Avanos Medical Inc. (NYSE: AVNS).
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