On January 29, 2020, AOPA staff participated in a CMS listening session that was designed to receive provider feedback on the operational performance of Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). The session was introduced by CMS Administrator Seema Verma and was moderated by Larry Young, the Director of the CMS Medicare Contractor Management Group.
The 60-minute session provided a brief background on the roles and responsibilities of the MACs, a discussion of general MAC performance based on CMS metrics, and then was opened to allow participants to provide feedback on opportunities for the MACs to improve their performance and enhance their interaction with providers.
AOPA submitted written comments in advance of the listening session that encouraged CMS to fully implement the qualified provider provisions outlined in section 427 of the Benefits Improvement Act of 2000 and allow the DME MACs to incorporate those provisions into it claims processing activities. AOPA’s comments also encouraged CMS to provide clear instructions to the DME MACs regarding the inclusion of orthotist’s and prosthetist’s clinical notes as part of the patient’s medical record for medical review purposes.
AOPA continues to support open dialogue with CMS and the DME MACs with the goal of achieving fair and equitable treatment of O&P providers and ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries continue to have access to high quality, clinically appropriate orthotic and prosthetic care.
Questions regarding this issue may be directed to Joe McTernan at jmcternan@aopanet.org or Devon Bernard at dbernard@aopanet.org.