67 FR 249 pgs. 79125-79126 - Medicare Program; February 10, 2003, Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council
Type: NOTICEVolume: 67Number: 249Pages: 79125 - 79126
Docket number: [CMS-1234-N]
FR document: [FR Doc. 02-32198 Filed 12-26-02; 8:45 am]
Agency: Health and Human Services Department
Sub Agency: Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services
[CMS-1234-N]
Medicare Program; February 10, 2003, Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council
AGENCY:
Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY:
In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal AdvisoryCommittee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Practicing PhysiciansAdvisory Council. The Council will be meeting to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and carrier manual instructions related to physicians' services, as identified by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. These meetings are open to the public.
Meeting Registration: Persons wishing to attend this meeting must contact the Practicing Physician Advisory Council Administrative OfficerDiana Motsiopoulos at dmotsiopoulos@cms.hhs.gov or (410) 786-3379 at least 72 hours in advance to register. Persons who are not registered in advance will not be permitted into the Humphrey Building and thus will not be able to attend the meeting. Persons attending the meeting will be required to show a photographic identification, preferably a valid driver's license, before entering the building.
DATES:
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2003 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., e.s.t.
ADDRESSES:
The meeting will be held at CMS Headquarters Multipurpose Room, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.
Web site: You may access the Internet at http://cms.hhs.gov/faca/ppac/default.asp for additional information and updates on committee activities.
CMS Advisory Committees Information Line: (1-877-449-5659 toll free)/(410-786-9379 local).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul Rudolf, M.D., J.D., Executive Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, 7500 Security Boulevard., Mail Stop C4-10-07, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, (410) 786-3379. News media representatives should contact the CMS Press Office, (202) 690-6145.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) is mandated by section 1868 of the Social Security Act (the Act) to appoint a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council) based on nominations submitted by medical organizations representing physicians. The Council meets quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and carrier manual instructions related to physicians' services, as identified by the Secretary. To the extent feasible and consistent with statutory deadlines, the consultation must occur before publication of the proposed changes. The Council submits an annual report on its recommendations to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services not later than December 31 of each year.
The Council consists of 15 physicians, each of whom has submitted at least 250 claims for physicians' services under Medicare in the previous year. Members of the Council include both participating and nonparticipating physicians, and physicians practicing in rural and underserved urban areas. At least 11 of the members of the Council shall be physicians described in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act. The remaining members may include dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors. Members serve for overlapping 4-year terms; terms of more than 2 years are contingent upon the renewal of the Council by appropriate action before its termination. Section 1868(a) of the Act provides that nominations to the Secretary for Council membership must be made by medical organizations representing physicians.
The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992. The current members are: James Bergeron, M.D.; Richard Bronfman, D.P.M.; Ronald Castellanos, M.D., Rebecca Gaughan, M.D.; Joseph Heyman, M.D.; Stephen A. Imbeau, M.D.; Joe Johnson, D.O.; Christopher Leggett, M.D.; Dale Lervick, O.D.; Angelyn L. Moultrie-Lizana, D.O.; Barbara McAneny, M.D.; Michael T. Rapp, M.D. (Chairman); Amilu Rothhammer, M.D.; Victor Vela, M.D.; and Douglas L. Wood, M.D.
Council members will be updated on the status of recommendations. The agenda will provide for discussion and comment on the following topics:
• 2004 Physician Fee Schedule.
• Physicians Regulatory Issues Team Update.
For additional information and clarification on the topics listed, call the contact person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Individual physicians or medical organizations that represent physicians wishing to make 5-minute oral presentations on agenda issues should contact the Executive Director by 12 noon, Monday, January 27, 2003, to be scheduled. Testimony is limited to agenda topics. The number of oral presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy of the presenter's oral remarks should be submitted to the meeting coordinator at dmotsiopoulos@cms.hhs.gov no later than 12 noon, Friday, January 31, 2003, for distribution to Council members for review before the meeting. Physicians and organizations not scheduled to speak may also submit written comments to the Executive Director and Council members. The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to the space available. Individuals requiring sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired or other special accommodation should contact Diana Motsiopoulos at dmotsiopoulos@cms.hhs.gov or (410) 786-3379 at least 10 days before the meeting.
(Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ee) and section 10(a) of Public Law 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a)).
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773,
Medicare-Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774,
Medicare-Supplementary
Medical Insurance Program)
Dated: December 7, 2002.
Thomas A. Scully,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 02-32198 Filed 12-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P