CMS Seeks Your Input by November 4, 2022!

Posted By: Gail Heather Zitterkopf Practice & Advocacy,

CMS seeks your input to help improve efficiency and equity within its programs.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a request for information (RFI) on Sept. 6, 2022, which seeks public input on accessing healthcare and related challenges, understanding provider experiences, advancing health equity, and assessing the impact of waivers and flexibilities provided in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Information is Key

CMS is particularly interested in understanding the greatest challenges for healthcare workers in meeting the needs of individuals and the impact of CMS policies (PTA pay differential), limited reimbursement and many clinicians are transitioning to cash pay, delay in pay cycle to receive payments); documentation and reporting requirements (POC and signature requirement, limited treatment without surgery (KX modifier)); operations; and communications on provider experiences. (cost of certain necessary medications is too heavy on consumer side with a fixed retired budget)  In addition, CMS hopes to learn how specific programs (including COVID-19 programs) have benefited providers and practices (Should telehealth continue to be a clinical practice option once the Public Health Emergency is discontinued?).

Contribute Today

CMS encourages comments from patients, providers, clinicians, consumer advocates, and healthcare professional associations — especially comments from individuals serving and located in underserved communities — as well as those serving populations facing disparities in health and healthcare. The RFI is open for a 60-day public comment period, which began Sept. 6 and runs through Nov. 4, 2022.

Visit https://www.cms.gov/request-information-make-your-voice-heard for submittal instructions. All comments must be received by Nov. 4.