Yesterday, CMS held the second of three public meetings to discuss preliminary decisions regarding applications for Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes. Applicants submitted requests for new codes by early January, and CMS released preliminary decisions in response to those requests in April. Those commenting on a preliminary decision are invited to be heard at a series of public meetings before CMS issues its final decisions in the fall.
The first of these meetings, held on May 8, 2013, addressed the preliminary decisions regard code requests for drugs, biologicals, and radiopharmaceuticals. In its preliminary decisions, the HCPCS Workgroup proposed granting the majority of coding requests.
The second meeting, held yesterday, addressed supplies and “other” products and services. Presenters supporting a dozen applications spoke at the meeting, opposing CMS’s preliminary decisions. In its preliminary decisions, CMS did not grant a single applicant’s code request. The limited interplay between speakers on behalf of applicants for a code and the HCPCS Workgroup suggests that many of the preliminary decisions issued may be finalized as proposed.
Similarly, CMS’s preliminary decisions regarding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Accessories, to be discussed at the third public meeting on June 4, 2013, granted very few of the applicants’ requests. Information about how to attend the final public meeting can be found on the CMS website.
Based on additional information and discussion at the public meetings, CMS may alter preliminary decisions. Final decisions will released be in late October or early November.