#USA #Alpharetta #Avanos Medical #NOPAIN Act #AmbIT

Avanos Medical's Non-Opioid Solutions Under the NOPAIN Act

In a significant development in pain management, Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) recently shared that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have affirmed the continued eligibility of its ON-Q and AmbIT infusion pumps under the NOPAIN Act for 2026. This legislation is a pivotal step towards reducing reliance on opioids in postoperative care, aiming to provide patients and healthcare providers with effective alternatives for pain management.

The NOPAIN Act: A Closer Look

The Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act was designed to encourage the use of non-opioid medications and devices for pain treatment following surgical procedures. According to the latest CMS ruling released on February 3, 2026, the Act mandates that from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, Medicare will offer separate payments for qualifying non-opioid drugs and devices used in Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPD) and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC).

For 2026, CMS has expanded the list of devices eligible for these payments to include the Game Ready* GRPro 2.1 cryo-pneumatic compression therapy system. This addition is particularly noteworthy as it highlights CMS’s responsiveness to innovations in pain management technology and the growing recognition of the need for alternatives to opioids.

Continued Support for ON-Q and AmbIT Pumps

The ON-Q elastomeric and AmbIT electronic infusion pumps will remain eligible for separate Medicare payments under the NOPAIN Act as they were first qualified on January 1, 2025. These devices have been validated by CMS as effective tools for minimizing or replacing opioid use post-surgery, supported by thorough clinical trial evidence. CMS set the payment limits at $2,008.72 for both the ON-Q and AmbIT systems as well as $1,997.16 for the Game Ready system, reflecting their importance in post-operative care.

The inclusion of these devices under the NOPAIN Act ensures that hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers using ON-Q and AmbIT for pain management in surgical patients will receive necessary financial support, thus encouraging the adoption of these innovative solutions in clinical practice.

Based on comprehensive research data, clinicians can confidently utilize these systems to manage postoperative pain. They not only align with best practices but also contribute to improved patient outcomes by reducing the risks associated with opioid prescription.

Innovations in Non-Opioid Pain Management

Avanos Medical has positioned itself at the forefront of non-opioid pain management technology with its ON-Q and AmbIT infusion systems. These devices represent a commitment to enhancing patient recovery experiences and addressing the critical healthcare challenge of opioid dependency following surgery. By continuing to support such technological advances, CMS is endorsing a shift towards safer and more effective pain management methodologies.

According to Avanos CEO Dave Pacitti, "We applaud CMS for acknowledging the value of ON‑Q, ambIT pumps, and the Game Ready system under the NOPAIN Act. This decision reinforces CMS's commitment to expanding access to safe, effective non-opioid pain management options."

For patients, this ensures a smoother recovery process with potentially fewer side effects and complications associated with opioid medications. Avanos Medical remains dedicated to collaborating with healthcare providers and policymakers to foster effective solutions that enhance recovery while reducing opioid dependency.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to 2026, the inclusion of Game Ready in the NOPAIN Act expands options for non-opioid pain management, allowing healthcare providers greater flexibility in approaching postoperative care. The continued recognition of ON-Q and AmbIT infusion systems underscores a transformative movement within the healthcare system aimed at addressing the critical issue of opioid addiction and paving the way for a more sustainable approach to patient care.

This comprehensive support framework is a promising stride towards achieving more effective pain management in surgical settings, facilitating better health outcomes for patients nationwide. For additional details about these devices and their role under the NOPAIN Act, visit Avanos Medical’s official site.