As recently announced, CMS is conducting what it describes as a “limited demonstration” of an internet-based notice and comment mechanism on internally-generated requests to discontinue Level II HCPCS codes.   CMS has just released details regarding the first two HCPCS codes it is proposing to remove under this process:

• A7042 Implanted Pleural Catheter, Each.  CMS rationale:  the catheter is included in the procedure and therefore a separate code is unnecessary.
• A9586 Florbetapir f18, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 10 millicuries.  CMS rationale:  HCPCS code A9599 “Radiopharmaceutical, Diagnostic, for beta-amyloid positron emission tomography (pet) imaging, per study dose” adequately describes this product.

CMS will accept public comments on the proposed HCPCS discontinuations until July 21, 2014.  Comments should be submitted to hcpcs@cms.hhs.gov, and include the following text in the subject line:  “COMMENT RE: DISCONTINUATION OF CODE _____.”