Feb. 28, 2024

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently responded to a December Multi-Specialty Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) Engagement Coalition letter. The letter addressed inaction on the coalition’s proposed recommendations to strengthen local coverage determination processes and failure to address concerns shared during previous meetings with CMS.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of CMS, acknowledged in the response the importance of meaningful engagement with the provider community and the importance of ensuring local coverage policies are developed and updated in an inclusive, informed and transparent manner. CMS agreed to meet with the coalition in the coming weeks to discuss potential solutions to issues raised and proposed recommendations.

American College of Radiology® (ACR®) CAC Network staff and leaders are active participants of the CAC Engagement Coalition and continue to advocate for improvements to the local coverage development process. The CAC provides a formal mechanism for healthcare professionals about the evidence used in developing LCD and promotes communications between the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and the healthcare community.

Parallel to these efforts, the American Medical Association (AMA) sent a letter to CMS reiterating concerns with the local coverage determination processes and offering ways to improve the integrity and accuracy of Medicare coverage determinations that will improve patient access to care and safety in the process.

If you have questions or want more information about local coverage policies and activities, contact Alicia Blakey, ACR Principal Economic Policy Analyst.


Related ACR News

  • Bill Introduced to Expand Access to Lung Cancer Screening

    The bill would enable healthcare organizations to purchase new mobile cancer screening units under a program within the HRSA, with an emphasis on lung cancer.

    Read more
  • ACR Urges HHS to Promote Annual Lung Cancer Screenings

    In a recent comment letter, the College presented updated data that highlights the life-saving potential of lung cancer screening.

    Read more
  • FDA Approves Alternative Standard Breast Density Reporting

    The Alternative Standard will allow the physician to provide an overall assessment of breast density with singular phrasing in reports of unilateral mammograms.

    Read more