[Federal Register: April 29, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 82)]
[Notices]
[Page 22321-22322]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29ap05-49]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[CMS-1314-N]
Medicare Program; Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory
Council, May 23, 2005
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Practicing
Physicians Advisory Council (the 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 (the
Secretary). This meeting is open to the public.
DATES: The meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2005, from 8:30
a.m. until 5 p.m. e.d.t.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in Room 705A, 7th floor, in the
Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20201.
Meeting Registration: Persons wishing to attend this meeting must
contact the Designated Federal Official (DFO) by email at
PPAC@cms.hhs.gov at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to
register. Persons not registered in advance will not be permitted into
the Hubert H. Humphrey Building and will not be permitted to attend the
Council meeting. Persons attending the meeting will be required to show
a photographic identification, preferably a valid driver's license,
before entering the building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Buchanon, Designated Federal
Official, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, 7500 Security Blvd.,
Mail Stop C4-11-27, Baltimore, MD, 21244-1850, telephone (410) 786-
6132, or e-mail PPAC@cms.hhs.gov. News media representatives must
contact the CMS Press Office, (202) 690-6145. Please refer to the CMS
Advisory Committees Information Line (1-877-449-5659 toll free) ((410)
786-9379 local) or the Internet at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/faca/ppac/default.asp
for additional information and updates on committee
activities.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary is mandated by section 1868(a)
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 must have
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 members of the Council must be
physicians as described in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act; that is,
State-licensed doctors of medicine or osteopathy. The remaining 4
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 prior to
[[Page 22322]]
its termination. Section 1868(a)(1) 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-Jose Azocar, M.D.; Ronald Castellanos, M.D. (Chairperson);
Rebecca Gaughan, M.D.; Peter Grimm, D.O.; Carlos R. Hamilton, M.D.;
Dennis K. Iglar, M.D.; Christopher Leggett, M.D.; Barbara McAneny,
M.D.; Geraldine O'Shea, D.O.; Laura B. Powers, M.D.; Anthony Senagore,
M.D.; and Robert L. Urata, M.D.
The meeting will commence with the swearing-in of three Council
members. The Council's Executive Director will give a status report and
the CMS responses to the recommendations made by the Council at the
March 7, 2005 meeting and prior meeting recommendations. Additionally,
updates will be provided on the Physician Regulatory Issues Team
(PRIT), and the National Provider Identifier. In accordance with the
Council charter, we are requesting assistance with the following agenda
topics:
Pay for Performance Initiatives
Recovery Audits
Part D Prescription Drug Program
Competitive Acquisition for Drugs
For additional information and clarification on these topics, contact
the Executive Director, listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this notice. Individual physicians or medical
organizations that represent physicians wishing to make a 5-minute oral
presentation on agenda issues must contact the Designated Federal
Officer (DFO) by 12 noon, e.d.t., May 12, 2005, to be scheduled.
Testimony is limited to agenda topics only. The number of oral
presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy of
the presenter's oral remarks must be submitted to the DFO by e-mail at
PPAC@cms.hhs.gov, no later than 12 noon, e.d.t., May 16, 2005, for
distribution to Council members to review prior to the meeting.
Physicians and medical organizations not scheduled to speak may also
submit written comments to the DFO for distribution no later than 12
noon, e.d.t., May 16, 2005. The meeting is open to the public, but
attendance is limited to the space available.
Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring sign language
interpretation or other special accommodation must contact the DFO by
e-mail at PPAC@cms.hhs.gov or by telephone at (410) 786-6132 at least
10 days before the meeting.
Authority: (Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ee) and section 10(a) of Pub. L. 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2,
section 10(a)).
Dated: April 25, 2005.
Mark B. McClellan
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 05-8593 Filed 4-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P