On March 23, CMS is hosting a National Provider Conference Call on the ICD-10-CM/PCS coding system. Topics to be covered include: the requirement use ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for services provided on or after October 1, 2013; a comparison of the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM; common ICD-10-CM myths and misperceptions; and the impact of ICD-10-CM on medical record documentation.
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee has scheduled a hearing for March 10 on "Drug Safety: An Update from the FDA." At the hearing, the FDA will detail its current challenges and successes in the area of drug safety. Joshua M. Sharfstein, M.D., FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner, is slated to testify.
Yesterday President Obama convened a health reform summit in an effort to bring together key members of Congress and administration personnel to discuss ways to move forward on health reform. After a long day of policy debate, however, the summit failed to result in a bipartisan breakthrough on reform legislation. While isolated areas of agreement were indentified, such as in the area of fraud and abuse efforts and certain aspects of insurance market reforms, the meeting largely highlighted the divisions between the two parties on fundamental aspects of reform. In particular, Democrats and Republicans at the meeting were far apart on such basic questions about how large a role the federal government should play in establishing insurance market rules, whether insurance coverage should be mandated, and how to achieve cost-savings in the health care system, among others. The summit is widely viewed as laying the groundwork for Democratic leaders to forge ahead with comprehensive health reform without Republican support -- if compromise can be reached among Democrats. In particular, Democrats appear to be ready to use a Senate parliamentary procedure known as “budget reconciliation” that would require only 51 Senate votes for passage in order to enact a bill in the coming weeks. Additional background information on current health reform legislative efforts is available here.
CMS has announced the dates for the 2010 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) public meetings, at which the agency will discuss its preliminary coding and payment determinations for all new public requests for revisions to the HCPCS. On May 4-5, CMS will review applications for codes for Drugs/Biologicals/Radiopharmaceuticals/Radiologic Imaging Agents; the May 25-26 sessions will review applications for Supplies; on May 27 CMS will focus on Orthotics and Prosthetics codes; and the June 8 session will review Durable Medical Equipment and Accessories coding applications. Draft agendas, including CMS' preliminary decision, will be posted on the HCPCS website at least 4 weeks before each meeting.
This post was written by Paul Sheives.
On March 30-31, FDA is holding a public meeting on “Device Improvements to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging.“ The purpose of the meeting is to seek stakeholder input on how manufacturers of devices used in computed tomography (CT) and in fluoroscopy could alter medical devices or clinical practice to lessen exposure to unnecessary ionizing radiation during these procedures. FDA also is accepting public comment on this issue until April 15, 2010.
HHS is hosting a workshop on March 8 and 9, 2010 on methods for de-identification of protected health information (PHI) as designated in the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The meeting is designed to bring together experts with practical technical and policy experience to inform the creation of guidance materials on de-identification approaches.
On March 10, CMS is hosting a national provider conference call on the 2010 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) and Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program (eRx). Preregistration is required to receive the call-in information.
On February 23, 2010, CMS is hosting a teleconference on its January 13, 2010 proposed rule implementing the electronic health record (EHR) incentive payment provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Among other things, the program will address: eligibility for incentives; what constitutes meaningful use; how to demonstrate meaningful use; and how to submit comments.
CMS has announced that the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) meeting that had been scheduled for February 23, 2010 has been postponed until March 17, 2010 due to logistical issues arising from the recent winter storms in the Baltimore area. Background on the meeting, including a link to the agenda, is available at our previous posting. Registration for the meeting is now open.
On March 18, 2010, CMS is hosting its second Part D Data Symposium at CMS headquarters. The conference will consist of educational sessions dealing with Part D research and outcomes presentations from both CMS and industry experts. Pre-registration is required.
On February 17, 2010, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to discuss Medicare provider enrollment issues. Topics expected to be covered include: Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians, non-physician practitioners, and provider and supplier organizations; provider and supplier reporting responsibilities; Medicare ordering and referring issues; and revalidation efforts.
CMS has released the agenda for its February 23, 2010 Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) meeting. Topics to be covered include: a bidding status update; review of the DBIdS system performance; an accreditation update; supplier and beneficiary educational plans; contract supplier oversight and monitoring; a tentative timeline for Round 2; and a discussion of the subdivision of the NYC, Los Angeles, and Chicago metropolitan statistical areas for bidding purposes. The agency expects to begin registration for the meeting early next week. CMS also posted its first DMEPOS competitive bidding "program preview" document at the "DMEPOS Toolkit" web page. The document reviews the program basics, highlights the "proven results" of the DMEPOS bidding demonstration program, and discusses the agency's implementation plans. CMS also released a MLN Matters article covering the same materials.
On March 10-11, 2010, CMS is convening a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) to assist in the development of new ESRD quality measures. Six Clinical TEPs will evaluate evidence related to the development of new measures related to: Anemia Management; Mineral Metabolism; Vascular Access Infection Rate; Pediatric Adequacy; Pediatric Anemia; and Fluid Weight Management. CMS is accepting nominations for the TEP until February 17, 2010.
On January 28, 2010, Reed Smith Partner Elizabeth Carder-Thompson, in her capacity as president of the American Health Lawyers Association, attended the National Summit on Health Care Fraud, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Justice. Ms. Carder-Thompson’s observations on the summit are available on our sister blog, Life Sciences Legal Update.
On January 28, 2010, HHS Secretary Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder are hosting a “National Summit on Health Care Fraud” to discuss innovative ways to eliminate health care fraud, waste, and abuse. The summit, an invitation-only event featuring public and private-sector representatives, is an outgrowth of the Administration’s Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), announced in May 2009. At the event, HHS is announcing that the President's proposed FY 2011 budget will include "historic support for anti-fraud efforts."
On February 23, 2010, CMS is hosting a Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) meeting to discuss DMEPOS competitive bidding, including the Round 1 Rebid and upcoming rounds. CMS expects to begin registration for the meeting within the next few weeks.
This post was written by Paul Sheives.
An upcoming FDA public workshop will focus on safe and effective interoperable medical devices. The public meeting is intended to promote dialogue between FDA, industry, academia, professional societies, clinical investigators and other interested parties. The public workshop will be held in Silver Spring, Maryland on January 25 - 27, 2010.
On February 2, 2010, CMS is hosting a “Listening Session” to solicit feedback on potential 2011 PQRI quality measures. The session also will address PQRI program design issues, including possible reporting mechanisms, reporting periods, criteria for satisfactory reporting, the group practice reporting option, and public reporting of 2011 PQRI data. The registration deadline for the session is January 22, 2010.
CMS is hosting a national provider conference call on the 2010 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) and Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program (eRx) on January 12, 2010. Registration closes at 1:30 p.m. EST on January 9, 2010.
This post was written by Paul Sheives.
FDA is holding a public meeting on February 9, 2010 to discuss measures for incorporating new science (i.e., novel technologies or novel uses of existing technologies, evolving information and knowledge, or new methods to support decisionmaking) into the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health decision-making processes. The meeting notice lists specific questions posed by FDA for discussion and public comment. The comment period closes on February 24, 2010.
This post was written by Paul Sheives.
On March 3-4, 2010, FDA is cohosting a public workshop in Orlando, Florida entitled "FDA Clinical Trial Requirements, Regulations, Compliance and GCP."
On January 14, 2010, CMS is hosting a special open door forum on the 2010 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) and Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Programs. The call will focus on a new reporting option available for the 2010 PQRI and eRx Incentive Program, known as the Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO). Note that group practices interested in participating in the GPRO must submit a self-nomination letter to CMS by January 31, 2010.
The first 2010 meeting of the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Groups for 2010 will be held February 17 - 19, 2010. The purpose of the Panel is to review the APC groups and their associated weights and to advise HHS concerning the clinical integrity of the APC groups for purposes of updating the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system for CY 2011.
This post was written by Paul Sheives.
FDA is hosting a one-day public workshop on January 25, 2010 to seek constructive input from experts in the field of genetic toxicology on proposed changes to the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidance ‘‘S2(R1) Genotoxicity Testing and Data Interpretation for Pharmaceuticals Intended for Human Use’’ from March 2008.
This post was written by Jacqueline Penrod.
On December 15, 2009, the HHS Office of the National Coordinator’s HIT Policy Committee will meet to hear reports from its workgroups, including the Meaningful Use Workgroup. Likewise, the HIT Standards Committee will meet on December 18, 2009 to discuss updates from its workgroups.
CMS is hosting a town hall meeting on February 10, 2010 to discuss FY 2011 applications for add-on payments for new medical services and technologies under the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS). Also on February 10, CMS is hosting a workshop on the application process and criteria for new medical services and technologies under the IPPS and on the outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) transitional pass-through payment for drugs, biologicals, and devices and new technology Ambulatory Payment Classification assignment for new services application processes.
On December 10, 2009, CMS is hosting a national provider conference call on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). The registration deadline is December 9.
On December 8, 2009, CMS is hosting another provider conference call to provide tips for preparing for the transition to the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS-C), an updated version of the data set that home health agencies must collect in order to participate in Medicare. Registration closes on December 7.
On November 19, 2009, CMS is hosting a provider conference call on the ICD-10-CM/PCS Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group Conversion Project. The call will discuss how CMS uses the General Equivalence Mappings (GEM) tool to convert ICD-9-CM data or payment systems to the relevant ICD-10-CM/PCS codes. The registration deadline for the call is November 18.
On November 12, 2009, CMS is hosting another provider conference call on the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS-C), an updated version of the data set that home health agencies must collect in order to participate in Medicare. Registration is required by November 11.
On October 23, 2009, CMS published a notice rescinding a 1985 policy on "Medicare Criteria for Coverage of Inpatient Hospital Rehabilitation Services." This policy, HCFA Ruling 85-2, established the criteria for Medicare coverage of inpatient hospital rehabilitation services. CMS notes that its August 7, 2009 final rule implementing the inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) prospective payment system (PPS) adopted IRF coverage requirements and technical revisions to certain other IRF requirements to reflect the changes that have occurred in medical practice during the past 25 years. As a result, CMS is rescinding its 1985 policy, effective January 1, 2010. In a related development, CMS has updated its Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to reflect the new IRF coverage conditions adopted in the FY 2010 IRF final rule, applicable to IRF discharges occurring on or after January 1, 2010. CMS also has posted a “follow-up information sheet” to assist providers in structuring their processes to satisfy the new requirements. Finally, on November 12, 2009, CMS is hosting a conference call to train IRF providers on the new policy; the registration deadline is 2:00 p.m. ET on November 11 or when available space has been filled.
On November 10, 2009, CMS is hosting a provider conference call on the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). Topics to be covered include: updates on 2008 PQRI and 2007 PQRI re-run incentive payments and feedback reports; an update on 2010 PQRI and e-prescribing programs; and what to expect on feedback reports. The registration deadline is November 9.
The Health Information Technology (HIT) Policy Committee will be meeting October 27 and October 28 to focus on HIT issues for specialists, smaller physician practices, and small community hospitals that may not be adequately addressed by the initial HIT-enabled quality measures that focus on primary care providers. Also, the HIT Standards Committee’s Implementation Workgroup will hold a hearing October 29 on the HIT “adoption experience.”
The FDA Transparency Task Force is holding its second public meeting on November 3, 2009. This meeting will focus on: early communication about emerging safety issues concerning FDA-regulated products; disclosure of information about product applications that are abandoned or withdrawn by the applicant before approval; and communication of FDA decisions about pending product applications. The registration deadline is October 27, 2009, and comments will be accepted until November 6, 2009.
The Health Information Technology (HIT) Standards Committee is meeting October 14, 2009 to discuss reports from its Clinical Operations, Clinical Quality, and Privacy and Security Workgroups and hear expert testimony on HIT security. In addition, the HIT Policy Committee's Information Exchange Workgroup is meeting October 20, 2009 to focus on the electronic exchange of laboratory information.
On October 22, 2009, CMS Is hosting a national provider call on the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS-C). OASIS-C is the first major update to the data set that home health agencies must collect in order to participate in Medicare. Changes to the OASIS include significant revisions to existing items and the addition of items that measure the processes of care. Transition to OASIS-C is scheduled to occur January 1, 2010. Registration is required by October 21.
CMS has announced that it will be holding a "Special Open Door Forum" on the ESRD PPS Proposed Rule Overview on October 15, 2009 from 3:30 pm-5 pm ET. During this call, CMS staff will highlight the key features of the proposed rule, including: composition of the bundle and basis for the proposed unit of payment, data sources used in developing the system, proposed patient-level and facility-level case mix adjusters, proposed outlier policy and proposed market basket. CMS will also discuss implementation issues associated with the proposed system, highlight key findings reflected in the impact analysis, provide a brief overview of the quality incentive program that CMS discusses as a conceptual model with the proposal of three quality measures for 2012, and summarize issues that have been identified for further analysis within the final rule. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. To participate, dial 800-837-1935 and reference Conference ID 26811397. Discussion materials will be available to download by October 14, 2009.
CMS is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss its proposed Medicare ESRD PPS rule on October 23, 2009. The registration deadline is October 9, 2009.
CMS is hosting its annual Medicare Provider Feedback Group Town Hall Meeting on October 29, 2009. CMS invites Medicare providers, suppliers, third-party billers, and other interested parties to participate.
On November 10, 2009, CMS is conducting a listening session the Medicare Physician Resource Use Measurement Reporting Program, focusing on the available tools to identify discrete episodes of care for Medicare beneficiaries. At the listening session, CMS staff will present research findings on the key attributes of a grouper logic for Medicare beneficiaries, and the agency will seek input on other strategies for improving how episodes for Medicare beneficiaries are designed. Specific issues to be considered include the challenges associated with: beneficiaries with multiple co-morbidities, post-acute care diagnoses not matching inpatient diagnoses; grouping physician services delivered in a hospital stay with the same episode as the hospitalization; and risk-adjustment. CMS will accept written comments on these issues until November 17, 2009.
On October 1, 2009, CMS is holding a Special Open Door Forum to share its proposed key design elements of the Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project. Among other things, the call will provide an overview of the demonstration, define advanced imaging procedures, and review the decision support systems and guidelines. Call-in information is available here.
On October 29 – 30, 2009, the FDA is hosting a forum entitled “Pediatric Clinical Trials Workshop: Unmet Needs, Trial Designs and Clinically Meaningful Safety and Effectiveness Outcomes.” Comments regarding the public workshop will be accepted through November 30, 2009.
On September 22, 2009, CMS is hosting another Medicare DMEPOS competitive bidding telephone conference. This session will focus on the financial documentation that must be submitted for each type of business structure and how bidders should report their capacity to serve beneficiaries. In addition, CMS will address special provisions for small suppliers and networks. The call will take place from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET. TO participate dial 1-800-837-1935 and reference Conference ID 23045166. More information on DMEPOS supplier educational events is available on the DMEPOS bidding Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website.
On September 17, 2009, CMS will host a national provider conference call on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). Preregistration is required by 2:30 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2009.
CMS has announced a series of Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) meetings to address specific Medicare coverage issues. MedCAC is meeting October 21, 2009 to focus on the use of catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. On November 18, 2009, MedCAC will address the adequacy of the available evidence that supports the diagnostic and treatment methods used in the management of secondary lymphedema. On January 27, 2010, the panel will review the evidence that supports the use of pharmacogenomic testing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. MedCAC also will meet on March 24, 2010, to examine the available evidence on the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) to manage anemia in patients who have chronic kidney disease.
On September 2, 2009, CMS is holding a Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program Bidders’ Conference Call entitled “Learn the Rules to Submit a Bid Successfully.” CMS will provide an overview of the competitive bidding areas, product categories, rules for submitting bids. CMS also will address eligibility requirements such as supplier standards, subcontracting, licensure, bonding, and accreditation, and special rules for physicians and treating practitioners, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals.
On August 27, 2009, the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) will be hosting a technical assistance webcast on the ONC Health Information Technology Extension/Regional Centers Cooperative Agreement Program Funding Opportunity Announcement.
On September 9-10, 2009, the FDA is holding a public workshop on “Methodologies for Post-Approval Studies of Medical Devices.” The target audiences for this workshop are Epidemiologists, Statisticians, Clinicians, and Regulatory Affairs Specialists. Preregistration is required.
The HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society (SACGHS) is meeting on October 8 and 9, 2009 to review three SACGHS draft reports: a final draft report and recommendations on gene patents and licensing practices; a public consultation draft report on genetics education and training; and a revised draft paper on direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
CMS has announced a series of events to help suppliers prepare for the upcoming Medicare DMEPOS competitive bidding program. Specifically, CMS and its DMEPOS competitive bidding contractor will host sessions on: How to Register to Access the Bidding System (Aug. 19); Learn the Rules to Submit a Bid Successfully (Sept. 2); What You Need to Know Before Submitting Your Bid (Sept. 16); Financial Documentation Plus Small Supplier Considerations (Sept. 22); How a Bid is Evaluated (Sept.29); Bid Submission Process (Oct. 7); and Open Calls (Oct. 14 and Nov. 4). Information on accessing the calls and registering for updates is available here.
On August 19, 2009 from 2-3 ET, CMS is holding a Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program Bidders' Conference focusing on "How to Register to Access the Bidding System." To participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 & reference conference ID: 23038688. In addition, the next Pharmaceutical, Pharmacy, and Device Manufacturers Open Door Forum is scheduled for August 26, 2009 from 3:30pm-4:30pm. It will focus on will focus on Accreditation and Surety Bond Implementation for DMEPOS suppliers. To participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 & reference conference ID: 23827900. CMS also has issued a transmittal providing information for educational purposes regarding the DMEPOS competitive bidding round one re-bid geographic areas and product categories.
CMS will host a host a national provider conference call on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) on August 20, 2009. The call will cover the status of access to the 2007 re-run and 2008 PQRI Incentive payments and feedback reports, and resources to assist eligible professionals. The registration deadline is 2:30 p.m. EDT on August 19, 2009.
On August 7, 2009, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will host a webcast at www.healthreform.gov to discuss how health insurance reform will benefit all Americans. The webcast, which will begin at 1:00 PM EDT, will feature a number of top HHS officials, including Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, and Dr. Mary Wakefield, R.N., Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
On September 24-25, 2009, the FDA is holding a public workshop entitled “Providing Effective Information to Consumers About Prescription Drug Risks and Benefits.” Comments on workshop documents (including a series of prototypes on different written approaches to conveying prescription drug information to consumers) will be accepted until November 25, 2009.
CMS is holding a "webinar" on the DMEPOS competitive bidding program on July 20, 2009. The session is designed for DMEPOS referral agents (beneficiary advocacy groups and prescribers) on July 20. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of CMS policy experts. Preregistration is required.
** The presentation slides are available here.
On July 16, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum on "Quality Improvement Organizations: Next Steps towards Transforming Beneficiary Protection." The call will focus on improvements to the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Beneficiary Protection Program (BPP), which incorporates including quality of care reviews, reviews of beneficiary complaints, higher-weighted Diagnostic Related Group reviews, utilization reviews, early readmission reviews, EMTALA reviews, appeals of discharges from various provider settings (fee for service and Medicare Advantage), and hospital preadmission reviews.
On July 15, 2009, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) on the Medicaid Integrity Program (MIP) Provider Audit Program. The primary audience for this Special ODF is provider groups. The call will take place from 1pm-2:30pm ET; to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 and reference Conference ID# 17763217.
The second semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Groups is being held on August 5-7, 2009. The purpose of the Panel is to advise the Secretary and CMS regarding the Medicare HOPPS APC groups and their associated weights.
On July 9, 2009, HHS is cohosting an H1NI Flu Preparedness Summit in Bethesda, Maryland. The goal of the summit is to launch a national influenza campaign by bringing federal, state and local officials, emergency managers, educators and others together with the nation's public health experts to enhance states' existing pandemic plans.
The HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has announced several upcoming meetings as part of its efforts to implement the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. First, the HIT Policy Committee's Certification/Adoption Workgroup is meeting on July 14 and 15, 2009 to hear testimony from stakeholder groups, such as purchasers, vendors, and users, on the electronic health information certification process. In addition, the HIT Policy Committee is meeting on July 16, 2009 to discuss the preliminary draft definition of “Meaningful Use.” Finally, on July 21, 2009, the HIT Standards Committee is meeting to discuss the certification process.
On July 9, 2009, CMS is holding meetings to discuss preliminary determinations on public requests for HCPCS codes for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices. CMS has tentatively decided not to establish new coding for NPWT systems/components, citing a technology assessment that found that the available evidence does not support significant therapeutic distinction of a NPWT system or component of a system.
On June 17, 2009, CMS is hosting a national provider conference call on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). Under the PQRI, eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished during the reporting period, January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009, will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule covered professional services furnished during the period. Topics on the call will include: how to access the PQRI help desk; review of the incentive payments and feedback reports timeline; and an update on the upcoming decisions registries for 2009. Registration for the call is required.
The second meeting of the HIT Standards Committee will take place on June 23, 2009. The meeting, which will include presentations from the HIT Standards Committee Workgroups, is a web-based meeting with teleconference dial-in.
On June 30, 2009, HHS is co-hosting a Healthcare-Associated Infections Professional Stakeholder Meeting to solicit input on how to refine and operationalize aspects of the HHS Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections.
On June 16, the HIT Policy Committee is holding its second public meeting.
The FDA is holding a meeting June 24, 2009 to solicit recommendations on ways the agency can make useful and understandable information about FDA activities and decisionmaking more readily available to the public. Among other things, the FDA is seeking comments on specific ways to announce FDA activities (e.g., enforcement actions, product approvals, and recalls), and what information should remain confidential in order to promote key internal and external policy goals.
On June 10, 2009, the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research is holding a meeting in Washington D.C. to hear public comments on the Council's efforts to coordinate research and guide investments in comparative effectiveness research funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The Council is soliciting comments on:
Individuals seeking to participate should register by June 8. In addition, the meeting will be web cast and individuals may participate by audioconference.
On June 9, 2009, CMS is holding a conference call entitled“HIPAA Version 5010 - What you need to know." This is the first in a series of national provider training calls on the transition to HIPAA Version 5010. Space is limited and preregistration is required.
CMS is holding a public meeting on July 14, 2009 regarding Medicare payment amounts for new clinical laboratory tests for calendar year 2010. CMS specifically is interested in comments and recommendations (and data on which recommendations are based) regarding the appropriate basis for establishing payment amounts for a specified list of new CPT codes (cross-walking or gap-fill). CMS notes that the development of the clinical laboratory CPT codes is largely performed by the CPT Editorial Panel, however, and will not be further discussed at the CMS meeting.
On May 27, 2009, CMS is holding a Special Open Door Forum on the MIPPA Medicare Imaging Demonstration Project on Appropriate Use of Imaging Services. CMS is seeking input regarding the design and development of the demonstration project. Interested parties can attend the event in person or by phone. CMS priority topics for the forum are listed after the jump.
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CMS has announced that it is convening a meeting of the DMEPOS Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) on June 4, 2009 to discuss the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. The agenda will focus on legislative changes mandated by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 as well as additional process improvements. CMS expects that the feedback received from the PAOC committee members and the public will assist the Agency as it moves forward with the Round 1 Rebid. The registration deadline is May 29, 2000.
*** A Reed Smith report on the PAOC meeting, including the slides/handouts from the PAOC meeting, is posted elsewhere on the Health Industry Washington Watch site.
CMS it is holding a Special Open Door Forum conference call on May 20 to discuss the development and implementation of facility-level hospital outpatient imaging efficiency measures.
AHRQ is hosting a Clinical and Comparative Effectiveness Research Methods symposium on June 1 - 2. The conference will include discussions on the future of federal comparative effectiveness efforts and emerging research methods.
HHS has announced that the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research is holding a listening session in Chicago on May 13, 2009, and another session is planned for June 10 in Washington, D.C.
On June 4 and 5, the FDA is holding a public workshop on Implementation of Post-Approval Studies for Medical Devices.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has announced the first meeting of the HIT Policy Committee on May 11, 2009. In addition, the first meeting of the HIT Standards Committee is scheduled for May 15, 2009. Both Committees were established by the ARRA to help guide the expansion of federal health IT efforts.
On June 1 and 2, 2009, the FDA is holding a public workshop on the use of computational modeling in the design, development, and evaluation of cardiovascular medical devices. Issues to be discussed may include: multi-scale modeling; imaging for cardiovascular device modeling; physiologic input data for cardiovascular device modeling; device-specific issues related to modeling, including a focus on heart valves, drug-eluting and bare metal stents, endovascular stents, cardiac rhythm management, and mechanical and circulatory support devices; and regulatory issues with implementation of computer modeling.
On June 1, 2009, the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) is holding its quarterly meeting to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physicians' services. Agenda topics include value-based purchasing, Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), IPPS issues, DMEPOS surety bond, and various Medicare Part C and D issues. Registration is required.
On May 4 and 5, 2009, CMS is hosting two information sessions on the RAC program, under which four designated contractors will review all Medicare paid claims to identify Medicare overpayments and underpayments. The RACs will be paid a contingency fee based on overpayments and underpayments they find. The upcoming sessions will take place at the CMS San Francisco Regional Office and will feature the RAC for California, HealthDataInsights, Inc. Registration is required.
On April 30, 2009, CMS will hold a Special Open Door Forum to discuss the availability of Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and the implementation of regulatory provisions. During this call, CMS staff will discuss:
More information, including an audio recording of the event, will be posted on the CMS website.
CMS is hosting an ICD-10-CM/PCS Implementation and General Equivalence Mappings National Provider Conference Call on May 19, 2009. This call will include a discussion of the following topics:
Conference call discussion materials and registration information will be available on the CMS website.
On April 14, 2009, the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research will hold a public listening session regarding comparative effectiveness research and the Coordinating Council's activities. By way of background, the Council was authorized by the ARRA as part of a major expansion of federal efforts to compare the effectiveness of different medical treatments, including both infrastructure changes and an infusion of $1 billion in funding for comparative effectiveness research. The Council is charged with helping to coordinate and guide investments in comparative effectiveness research, advising the President and Congress on federal comparative effectiveness research infrastructure needs, and reviewing federal agency organizational expenditures for comparative effectiveness research. The registration deadline for the meeting is April 13. Written statements also may be submitted.
4/20/09 Update: A webcast of the session is available.
On May 1, 2009, the FDA is holding a public meeting regarding economically motivated adulteration (EMA), which FDA defines as the fraudulent, intentional substitution or addition of a substance in a product for the purpose of increasing the apparent value of the product or reducing the cost of its production (i.e., for economic gain). EMA includes dilution of products with increased quantities of an already-present substance (e.g., increasing inactive ingredients of a drug with a resulting reduction in strength of the finished product) to the extent that such dilution poses a known or possible health risk to consumers, as well as the addition or substitution of substances in order to mask dilution. Several recent incidents involving FDA-regulated products (heparin, glycerin, infant formula, and pet food), are suspected to be examples of EMA. The purpose of the meeting is to stimulate discussion about ways in which the food (including dietary supplements and animal food), drug, medical device, and cosmetic industries, regulatory agencies, and other parties can better predict and prevent EMA, with a focus on situations that pose the greatest public health risk. The agency also invites written comments on this issue; the comment deadline is August 1, 2009.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is meeting April 8-9, 2009 to discuss a variety of Medicare payment and policy issues, including the impact of physician self-referral on use of imaging services, potential Medicare savings associated with follow-on biologics, and Medicare Advantage payments, among others.
CMS has scheduled two educational calls on the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program, under which four designated contractors will review all Medicare Part A and B paid claims to identify Medicare overpayments and underpayments. The RACs will be paid a contingency fee based on overpayments and underpayments they find. The first call on April 8, 2009 is intended for Part A providers, while the second call on April 14 will focus on Part B providers.
On April 22, 2009, CMS will host another national provider conference call on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). Eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished in 2009 will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for services covered under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in 2009. The registration deadline is April 21.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is holding a hearing March 26, 2009 on "Institutional Review Boards that Oversee Experimental Human Testing for Profit."
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is holding hearings on March 26 and 31, 2009 entitled “Deceptive Health Insurance Industry Practices – Are Consumers Getting What They Paid For?”
On April 6, 2009, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum on the Nursing Home Value-Based Purchasing (NHVBP) demonstration. The primary audience for this call is Medicare certified nursing homes from the states that have been selected to host the demonstration: Arizona, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin.
The National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality will meet on April 3, 2009 to discuss Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) initiatives, including the AHRQ budget for FY 2009, comparative effectiveness, and AHRQ activities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
On March 18, 2009, the Finance Committee is holding a hearing on “What is Health Care Quality and Who Decides?”. Also on March 18, 2009, the House Small Business Committee is holding a hearing on "The President's FY 2010 Budget and Medicare: How Will Small Providers be Impacted?" On March 24, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee is holding hearings to examine addressing insurance market reform in national health reform.
Under the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Program, certain eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data can earn incentive payments of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule covered professional services furnished during that same period. On March 18, 2009, CMS is co-hosting a Special Open Door Forum on the 2009 PQRI Program with the American College of Cardiology to concentrate on cardiology-specific topics related to participation in PQRI. In addition, CMS is hosting a PQRI National Provider Question & Answer Session on March 19 to provide an update on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI and to allow participants to ask questions of CMS PQRI experts; note that preregistration is required for this call.
On March 12-13, 2009, MedPAC is meeting to discuss a number of health policy issues, including: accountable care organizations; physician resource use measurement; MIPPA Medicare Advantage payment report; improving Medicare’s chronic care demonstration programs; the effects of secondary coverage on Medicare spending; medical education; and follow-on biologics.
On March 12, the Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on "Workforce Issues in Health Care Reform: Assessing the Present and Preparing for the Future."
On March 17, 2009, CMS will hold a Special Open Door Forum to discuss the implementation of surety bond requirements for certain DMEPOS suppliers. During this call, CMS staff will discuss:
• Key provisions of the January 2, 2009 Final Rule,
• Exemptions to the surety bond requirement,
• Implementation dates,
• The definition of a final adverse action, and
• Elevated surety bond amounts.
CMS has postponed until June 17, 2009 a Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) meeting on the use of Bayesian statistics to interpret evidence in making coverage decisions. Bayesian analysis is a statistical technique in which prior evidence is used to update or to newly infer the probability that a hypothesis may be true. CMS encourages the participation of organizations with expertise in Bayesian statistics, meta-analyses, and clinical trial design and analyses. The meeting originally had been scheduled for March 18, 2009.
On March 31, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cosponsoring a public workshop with several medical societies regarding scientific issues in clinical trial design for hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
On April 30 and May 1, 2009, the FDA Risk Communication Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the FDA’s draft risk communication strategic plan and strategic priorities for research on effective risk communication.
On May 6, 2009, MedCAC is meeting to focus on the desirable characteristics of evidence needed to evaluate screening genetic tests for Medicare coverage.
On March 11-12, 2009 the ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee is holding a public forum to discuss proposed changes to ICD-9-CM. The first day of the meeting will be devoted to procedure code issues, while the second day will concentrate on diagnosis code issues. The registration deadline is March 5, 2009.
On February 27, 2009, CMS published a notice announcing the dates for the 2009 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) public meetings to discuss CMS’s preliminary coding and payment determinations for public requests for revisions to the HCPCS, including dates to consider new drug code requests. The meeting dates are as follows:
April 28, 2009: Drugs/Biologicals/Radiopharmaceuticals/Radiologic Imaging Agents (CMS notes that the April 29 date is tentative and may not be needed)
May 12 - 13, 2009: Supplies and Other Items
May 27, 2009: Orthotics and Prosthetics
May 28, 2009: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Accessories
July 9, 2009: DME and Accessories, including Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) devices.
The notice outlines deadlines for primary speakers and other attendees. Draft agendas, including a summary of each request and CMS’s preliminary decision, will be posted on the CMS website at least 4 weeks before each meeting.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host the second in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. The deadline for registration is February 17.
On February 12, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a Special Open Door Forum to discuss the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This call will be geared to those eligible professionals planning to participate in the PQRI for the first time in 2009 and will cover the basics of how to satisfactorily report the 2009 PQRI quality measures through claims-based reporting.
On February 9, 2009, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum on the Medicare classification criteria for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), commonly known as the "75 percent rule." Note that the February 9 forum is separate from the February 2, 2009 "Town Hall Meeting" on this issue.
On February 12, 2009, the FDA is hosting a public workshop to obtain input on issued involved in the establishment of a unique device identification (UDI) system. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 requires the establishment of a UDI system requiring the labeling of devices through distribution and use (subject to certain exceptions). The registration deadline for the workshop is January 30, 2009.
The Practicing Physicians Advisory Council is meeting on March 9, 2009 to discuss proposed changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physicians' services. Specific Issues on the agenda include, among others, Value-Based Purchasing, Recovery Audit Contractors, the local and national coverage determination processes, and Medicare appeals.
On April 6, 2009, CMS is hosting a town hall forum to discuss access to dental care for Medicaid eligible children. Beneficiaries, providers, dentists, industry representatives, and other interested parties are invited to this meeting to present their views and recommendations related to oral health issues.
The Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) is meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 to focus on the use of Bayesian statistics to interpret evidence in making coverage decisions. Bayesian analysis is a statistical technique in which prior evidence is used to update or to newly infer the probability that a hypothesis may be true. The meeting will introduce Bayesian concepts, contrast Bayesian approaches with frequentist approaches, and provide examples of using Bayesian techniques for meta-analyses. CMS encourages the participation of organizations with expertise in Bayesian statistics, meta-analyses, and clinical trial design and analyses.
On February 2, 2009, CMS is hosting a "Town Hall Meeting" to gather public input on the Medicare inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) classification criteria commonly known as the “75 percent rule.” Public input from this meeting will be considered in the preparation of a report to Congress that will address, among other things, whether alternative criteria or refinements to the 75% rule could be used to determine IRF classification (including patients’ functional status, diagnosis, comorbidities, or other attributes) and whether IRF care is appropriate for certain other types of conditions which are commonly treated in IRFs, but are outside of the 13 conditions specified in the 75% rule. Interested individuals may participate in person or by phone (pre-registration is required to attend in person), and written comments also are being accepted.
On January 13, 2009, CMS will hold a Special Open Door Forum to discuss the implementation of the internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians and non-physician practitioners. Physicians and non-physician practitioners in most states can now use internet-based PECOS to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the internet.
On Thursday, January 8, 2009, CMS is hosting a conference call open door forum to review the accreditation requirements for DMEPOS suppliers, including pharmacies, that need to meet the September 30, 2009 DMEPOS supplier accreditation deadline.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is meeting January 8-9, 2009 to discuss a variety of Medicare payment and policy issues, including payments to hospitals, physicians, ambulatory surgical centers, dialysis providers, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term care hospitals, hospices, and Medicare Advantage plans.
CMS will host a national provider conference call on January 14, 2009 to discuss the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). The registration deadline is January 13.
CMS has announced that the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) will meet February 25, 2009 to focus on the requirements for evidence to determine if diagnostic use of genomic testing in beneficiaries with signs or symptoms of disease improves health outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries. The meeting will also discuss the various kinds of evidence that are useful to support requests for Medicare coverage in this field.
CMS has announced that the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Groups will meet February 18 - February 20, 2009 to review the hospital outpatient hospital APC groups and their associated weights. Specifically, the panel will address: whether procedures within an APC group are similar both clinically and in terms of resource use; APC group weights; packaging of hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) services and cost; removing procedures from the inpatient list for payment under the OPPS; using single and multiple procedure claims data for CMS’s determination of APC group weights; and other technical issues concerning APC group structure. CMS notes that issues related to calculation of the OPPS conversion factor, charge compression, pass-through payments, or wage adjustments are not within the scope of the APC Panel’s purpose, and these issues therefore will not be considered for presentations and/or comments.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, through its Effective Health Care program, will sponsor an invitational symposium on clinical and comparative effectiveness research methods in June 2009 (dates to be confirmed). The symposium is a follow up to the 2006 AHRQ conference on Emerging Methods in Comparative Effectiveness and Safety; papers presented at that conference appeared in a 2007 Medical Care supplement. The 2009 conference will focus on empirical studies and methodological advances appropriate for publication as a supplement in a peer-reviewed journal. AHRQ is inviting participation in this second symposium through submission of a brief abstract on relevant research by February 13, 2009. Preference will be given to research that can be presented at the symposium as a prelude to publication in the journal supplement and that will be complete or nearly so by early summer 2009.
CMS is holding a provider conference call December 16, 2008 to discuss the final results of the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).
On December 9, 2008, CMS is hosting a listening session as part of the development of a plan for the transition to a value-based purchasing program for physician and other professional services, as required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). CMS is seeking feedback on an issues paper discussing components of the plan under development, including measures, data infrastructure and reporting, incentive methodology; and public reporting. Physicians, physician associations, and other interested parties are invited to participate in person or via teleconference. The registration deadline has been extended until Thursday, December 4th at 5 PM EST.
On December 11, 2008, CMS is hosting its second “special open door forum” on electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), at which CMS will provide an overview of Part D e-prescribing standards and discuss e-prescribing resources, incentives and measures. In a related development, CMS has announced the specifications for the e-prescribing measure, including the requirements for a qualified e-prescribing system, which will be used to determine whether an eligible professional is a successful e-prescriber and may qualify for a 2% incentive payment for the 2009 reporting period.
On December 16, 2008, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is hosting a "Stakeholders’ Meeting" to solicit feedback regarding a provision of MIPPA that provides Medicare coverage for kidney disease patient education services for individuals with Stage IV chronic kidney disease. The registration deadline is December 8, or when capacity is reached.
On February 17, 2009, CMS is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss FY 2010 applications for add-on payments for new medical services and technologies under the Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS).
On December 3, 2008, CMS is hosting a special open door forum teleconference to obtain feedback on the Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP), under which physicians may acquire certain Part B drugs from an approved CAP vendor, rather than buying and billing the drugs directly. On September 10, 2008, CMS announced that the 2009 Medicare Part B drug competitive acquisition program (CAP) is being postponed indefinitely. In the meantime, CMS is considering making changes to the CAP. The agency invites public comments on the program, including: the categories of drugs provided under the CAP; the distribution of areas that are served by the CAP; and procedural changes that may increase the program's flexibility and appeal to potential vendors and physicians. Feedback will be accepted at the teleconference or through email.
CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum November 19 on electronic prescribing under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). At the forum, CMS staff will present information on the following topics: Overview of Part D E-Prescribing Standards, E-Prescribing Resources, E-Prescribing Incentives and E-Prescribing Measures. The forum will take place from 3:30pm-5pm eastern time. The call-in number is 1-800-837-1935; reference conference ID 71918357.
On November 6 and 7, 2008, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is meeting to discuss a number of health care policy issues, including reporting of physicians’ financial relationships, medical imaging services, the Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage programs, hospice payments, and physician resource use.
CMS is hosting two special open door forums on the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program, through which the RACs will review all Medicare Part A and B paid claims to identify Medicare overpayments and underpayments. The RACs will be paid a contingency fee based on overpayments and underpayments they find. The first forum, scheduled for November 12, 2008, is designed for Part A providers, while the second forum on November 13 is targeted at Part B providers.
On December 18, 2008, CMS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are holding a listening session to solicit informal comments on hospital-acquired conditions and hospital outpatient healthcare-associated conditions in preparation for the fiscal year 2010 inpatient prospective payment systems and calendar year 2010 OPPS rulemaking processes. Hospitals, hospital associations, representatives of consumer purchasers, payors of health care services, and other interested parties are invited to attend and make comments in person or in writing. It also will be possible to listen to the session by teleconference. Registration is required.
On November 5, 2008, CMS will host a Special Open Door Forum on “Medicare Part D Payments to Indian Health Service (IHS) & Tribal Facilities,” including an overview of Medicare Part D changes for 2009.
On November 6, 2008, CMS will host a Special Open Door Forum to discuss a Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act provision that provides coverage for Kidney Disease Patient Education Services for individuals with Stage IV chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among other things, CMS is seeking comments on: specific competencies for referring clinicians and the qualified individual providing the education services; accepted clinical criteria for diagnosing someone with Stage IV CKD; information needed for informed patient decisionmaking; and appropriate modalities of education.
The HHS Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society is meeting on December 2 and 3, 2008 to review a preliminary draft report that addresses questions about whether gene patents and certain licensing practices are affecting patient access to genetic tests. The meeting will also address diagnostic laboratory standards and technology platforms and the role they are playing in innovation of genetic technologies.
On December 8, 2008, the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council is holding its quarterly meeting to discuss Medicare policy changes related to physicians’ services. Agenda items include: Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule; Outpatient Prospective Payment System/Ambulatory Surgical Center Fee Schedule Final Rule; Stark Reform; Value Based Purchasing—Efficiency Measures; CMS-FDA Collaboration; and Medically Unlikely Edits Update.
On October 30, 2008, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum to discuss the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Beneficiary Protection Program (BPP). The BPP incorporates several QIO functions, including quality of care reviews, reviews of beneficiary complaints, utilization reviews, EMTALA reviews, and appeals of discharges from various provider settings, among others. The purpose of this forum is to gain insight regarding improvements needed to the regulations governing the QIO program.
On October 28, 2008, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum for physicians on the Medicare Medical Home Demonstration (MMHD) project. The Medical Home program is a three-year demonstration to provide coordination of services for certain Medicare beneficiaries with chronic or prolonged illnesses through a personal physician. Outreach and recruitment of eligible practices is expected to begin in January 2009, and monthly medical home fee payments will begin in January 2010. On the call, CMS will present background information, define the core capabilities required to qualify as a Medical Home, and discuss the monthly Medical Home fee amounts. The call will take place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT; to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935, and reference conference ID number 65752061.
On October 30, 2008, CMS is hosting a Prescription Drug Event (PDE) Symposium at CMS headquarters in Baltimore for researchers and other interested parties. The meeting will discuss the Medicare beneficiary Part D experience and what new PDE data show. The registration deadline is October 24, 2008.
On October 2-3, 2008, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is meeting to discuss a number of health care policy issues, including reporting of physicians’ financial relationships, medical education training, MA payment and quality, frequently-rehospitalized skilled nursing facility patients, the use of drug data in risk adjustment, the psychiatric hospital prospective payment system, and health care sector growth.
CMS is sponsoring a conference on October 6 and 7, 2008 in Boston to educate stakeholders about the new electronic-prescribing (“e-prescribing”) initiatives included in MIPPA. Pre-registration is required.
On October 14, 2008, CMS is hosting a conference at CMS headquarters in Baltimore for non-accredited suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) At the event, CMS will provide technical guidance on how to comply with the DMEPOS quality standards.
CMS will host a series of national provider calls regarding issues associated with the adoption of the ICD-10 coding system. Separate calls are scheduled for hospital staff (October 14), other Part A and Part B providers (November 12), and physicians (November 17). Call details, including registration information and CMS’s slide presentation, are available on the CMS web site.
Continue Reading...On September 10, 2008, CMS is hosting an open door forum to announce the convening of the Special Needs Plan Chronic Condition Panel. The panel will determine the conditions that meet the definition of severe or disabling chronic conditions in accordance with the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). CMS also will accept comments from September 10 through October 8, 2008 on the criteria the panel could use for selecting conditions.
On September 18, 2008, CMS is hosting a 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) provider conference call to provide an update on registry reporting, e-prescribing incentives, and PQRI feedback reports. Pre-registration is required.
On September 3, 2008, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum to provide guidance to durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) providers on the supplier accreditation provisions in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). MIPPA states that eligible professionals and other persons are exempt from meeting the September 30, 2009 accreditation deadline until CMS determines that the quality standards are specifically designed to apply to such professionals and other persons. MIPPA also states that CMS may exempt such professionals and persons from the quality standards based on their licensing, accreditation or other mandatory quality requirements that may apply. The call will take place from 2 pm-3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time. To participate, dial: 1-800-837-1935 and Reference Conference ID: 61231070.
CMS is hosting a series of stakeholder meetings in August and September 2008 to discuss the End-Stage-Renal-Disease (ESRD) Network (NW) Program, under which 18 regional ESRD Networks work with consumers, ESRD facilities, and other providers of ESRD services to oversee the quality of care ESRD patients receive, collect data to administer the national Medicare ESRD program, and provide technical assistance to ESRD providers and patients. The first meetings is August 28 and the last is September 19.
On September 22, 2008, CMS is hosting its annual Medicare Provider Feedback Group Town Hall meeting at CMS headquarters in Baltimore. This meeting is open to all Medicare fee-for-service providers and suppliers that participate in the Medicare program. Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to, 5010 (possible next version of HIPAA standards for claims and other transactions), Medicare Administrative Contract Transitions, and Recovery Auditing. There will be a question and answer session that offers meeting participants an opportunity to provide feedback on how CMS services physicians, providers and suppliers, as well as make suggestions on how this process can be improved.
CMS is sponsoring a conference on October 6 and 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts, to educate stakeholders about the new eprescribing initiatives included in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (“MIPPA”). While there is no registration fee, space is limited. For questions, please call 1-888-883-3734 x 820, or send an e-mail to registrar@e-prescribeconference.com.
Featured keynote speakers include:
Conference registration is now open.
On August 13, 2008, CMS is holding a national provider conference call on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). The call will provide information on the PQRI provisions in MIPPA, the e-prescribing measure for 2008 PQRI and proposed measures for 2009 PQRI, MIPPA incentives for electronic prescribing, and registry reporting for 2008. Registration information is available here.
On August 6, 2008, CMS is hosting a Special Open Door Forum to discuss Medicare payment for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services, focusing on the development of alternatives to the current financial cap on such services.
CMS has announced that the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Groups is holding a meeting on August 27-28, 2008 to review the APC groups and their associated weights in preparation for finalizing the CY 2009 HOPPS rule.
On July 15, 2008, CMS is hosting a DMEPOS Accreditation 101 Audio Conference/Q&A Session, focusing on accreditation issues for new suppliers. Preregistration is required. The presentation materials are posted here.
On July 15, 2008, CMS and the American College of Physicians (ACP) will host a special open door forum to discuss participation in the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). The purpose of this forum is to encourage PQRI participation and outline the steps physicians can use to collect and report quality data to be eligible for an incentive payment.
CMS has announced that a public meeting to discuss payment determinations for specific new CPT codes for clinical laboratory tests is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., EST. The registration deadline is July 9, 2008.
On June 18, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting another national provider conference call on the 2008 PQRI. Registration information is available here.
CMS has scheduled a June 16, 2008 meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) in Pikesville, Maryland. The registration deadline is June 12.
HHS is holding a Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) Stakeholders Workshop on September 24–26, 2008. This event will provide an open forum for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry representatives, first responders, policymakers, public health advocates, and others to discuss the development, acquisition, and distribution of medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and naturally emerging threats, and to share their visions for the future of U.S. public health emergency preparedness.
The FDA is holding a public meeting June 5 and 6, 2008 on a pilot program designed to prevent medical errors resulting from drug names that look or sound alike.
On June 12, 2008, CMS is hosting a phone conference to address implementation of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program, focusing on questions from non-contract suppliers and referral agents. Registration information is available here.
On May 27, CMS is hosting the second national education conference call to address implementation of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program. To register, click here.
CMS is holding public meetings May 28 and 29 on preliminary 2009 DME Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding and payment determinations.
On May 13, CMS is hosting a conference call to address implementation of the new DMEPOS competitive bidding program, which is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2008. For details, including registration requirements, click here.
CMS is convening the next Practicing Physicians Advisory Council quarterly meeting on May 19. Agenda topics include updates on Recovery Audit Contractors, the NPI, and CMS’s quality agenda.
CMS is holding a series of public meetings in April and May 2008 to discuss its preliminary Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding and payment determinations for the 2009 HCPCS update. The meeting announcement with details on registration and submission of comments is available here.
CMS has announced an April 30 meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) to solicit comments on prioritizing research topics important to the Medicare population. A separate MedCAC meeting is scheduled May 21 to focus on design and methodological issues impacting clinical research on innovative neurorehabilitation techniques.
CMS is hosting an audioconference on April 17 to discuss DMEPOS supplier accreditation. Preregistration is required; for details, click here.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is meeting March 5 and 6 to review a number of Medicare policy issues, including physician relationships with hospitals, drug and device manufacturers, and ambulatory surgical centers; bundled hospital payments; comparative effectiveness information; Part D performance measures; SNF refinements; and hospice policy. For details, click here.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) will be meeting January 10 – 11 to vote on Medicare payment policy recommendations that will be included in its annual report to Congress to be issued in March 2008. For more information, see www.medpac.gov.
HHS is holding an “expert meeting” on January 16 to discuss how to measure the impact of disease management on health outcomes and costs of care, with a focus on potential for public sector programs. For more information, click here.
On January 24, CMS is hosting a special open door forum to report on the findings of a 5-year Nursing Home Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Validation Study. For more information, including registration requirements, click here.
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