The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published a Notice announcing the second semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Groups for 2009. The second semi-annual meeting is scheduled for August 5-7, 2009.
The agenda for the August 2009 meeting will involve discussion and comment on the following topics:
- Addressing whether procedures within an APC group are similar both clinically and in terms of resource use.
- Evaluating APC group weights.
- Reviewing the packaging of hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) services and costs, including the methodology and the impact on APC groups and payment.
- Removing procedures from the inpatient list for payment under OPPS.
- Using single and multiple procedure claims data for CMS's determination of APC group weights.
- Addressing other technical issues concerning APC group structure.
According to the Notice, CMS will be accepting written comments, suggested agenda topics, and may allow individuals or organizations to make 5 minute oral presentations. See the Notice for deadlines and instructions regarding the submission of comments, agenda topics and oral presentations. Also see the Notice for the meeting location and instructions regarding attendance.
CMS reports that it will consider the Advisory Panel's advice when it addresses comments and completes the final rule updating OPPS for calendar year 2010.
