New Postings on the Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch Blog
The Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch blog has been updated to discuss a variety of health policy developments, including the following:
- Regulatory Developments. CMS has finalized new DMEPOS supplier standards, announced adjusted Federal Medical Assistance Percentage rates, and corrected errors in its Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule. The Obama Administration has released guidance on the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) external review process provisions, and the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues is requesting public comments on the science of synthetic biology (see ).
- Other CMS/HHS Developments. CMS has released information on certain ACA Medicaid rebate provisions and federal funding for Medicaid health information technology activities. CMS also has issued comparative billing reports for physical therapists, launched a chiropractic services supplemental measures study, and announced changes to 2011 Medicare Part C and D plan ratings on the Medicare “Plan Finder Tool.” HHS has issued a public health emergency medical countermeasure review report, and the Office of the National Coordinator has held informational sessions on the Electronic Health Record Incentive Program.
- OIG & GAO Developments. The OIG has issued reports on place-of-service coding for physician services and Medicare Part D spending on less-than-effective drugs. The GAO has issued a report on new drug approvals based on non-inferiority trials.
- Health Industry Events. CMS is hosting informational events on value-based purchasing for physician services, an ACA provision on use of Medicare data for performance measurement, and “ICD-10 Implementation in a 5010 Environment.” The FDA is hosting meetings on Medical Devices and Nanotechnology and on prescription drug patient medication information. The ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee has scheduled an ICD-10 crosswalk revisions meeting.
