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.