CMS Announces Provider Feedback Town Hall Meeting

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced in a notice that it will host a town hall meeting from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. (ET) on September 22, 2008.  The meeting will be held via conference call and in the CMS auditorium at 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland.

The purpose of the town hall meeting is to entertain provider feedback on Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) policy and operational issues.  The meeting is open to all Medicare FFS providers and suppliers that participate in the Medicare program.  CMS reports that agenda topics will include, but not be limited to:

• 5010- Possible next version of HIPAA standards for claims and other transactions; and
• Recovery auditing and Medicare Administrative Contractor transitions.

During the town hall meeting, CMS will offer meeting participants an opportunity to provide feedback on agenda topics. However, CMS reports that not all participants will have an opportunity to speak due to time constraints.  Nevertheless, CMS reports that it will accept written submissions at MFG@cms.hhs.gov through September 30, 2008. By September 19, 2008, CMS is also expected to post meeting agenda and discussion materials for download here.

To participate in the town hall meeting, registration is required.  Registration will open on August 29, 2008 and close on September 17, 2008. CMS reports that registered participants may be contacted for follow up meetings to solicit additional opinions and clarify any issues that arise during the town hall meeting.

CMS reports that persons attending the town hall meeting in person will be required to show photographic identification (a valid driver's license or passport).  For further details, CMS refers possible meeting participants to the August 22, 2008 Federal Register notice.  For questions or additional information, CMS reports that email may be sent to MFG@cms.hhs.gov.