News You Can Use: Coverage Decisions Could Come More Quickly

A revised method of issuing national coverage decisions (NCDs) could clear some of the murk from the process of securing Medicare coverage for new products and services.
     
In a final rule published in the Sept. 26 Federal Register, CMS updates the process it will use to issue Medicare NCDs. Among the new policies: a separate process for beneficiaries who need an item or service that isn't now covered. CMS says it will issue NCDs in such cases in 90 days.
     
The rule also clarifies what elements are required to make a formal request for an NCD and outlines what CMS will consider in making its determinations. "Our goal is to make the latest advances in medical care available to Medicare beneficiaries more rapidly, while making evidence-based decisions that safeguard the health and safety of patients," CMS Administrator Tom Scully says.
     
The rule goes into effect Oct. 27, 2003. If you don't know if your new services and items will receive coverage, explore the full text of the rule at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a030926c.html.

- Published on 2003-10-08