Response to comments

CMS Response to Public Comments Received for CMS-10393

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) received comments from a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) related to CMS-10393. This is the reconciliation of the comments.

Comment:

1. Will the QIOs be required to acquire permission for the survey from the beneficiary/representative?

   1. If so, how will this be communicated to the surveying entity?

   2. If not, what will be the sampling methodology?

Response:

The QIOs will ask for permission from the beneficiary/representative for a survey to be administered as part of closing out beneficiary appeals and complaint cases. This process will mirror the consent process used for surveying beneficiaries/representatives who filed complaints under the 9^th Scope of Work (SOW). Close out data, including beneficiary consent for participation in the survey will be logged in the QIO system CRIS. An extract of eligible consenting beneficiaries/representatives will be provided to the surveying organization.

Comment:

2. Will the QIOs have input for the development of the survey questionnaire?

Response:

The QIOs will not have input on the development of the survey questionnaire; however, CMS will ensure that QIOs have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications about all aspects of the survey communication mechanisms.

Comment:

3. We agree that a primarily mail-based survey would yield a higher response rate.

Response:

Thank you for your comment.