Response to comments

CMS Response to Public Comments Received for CMS-R-290

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) received comments from a trade association related to CMS-R-290. This is the reconciliation of the comment.

Comment:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) received a comment from a trade organization that encouraged CMS to make the National Coverage Determination (NCD) process as transparent, flexible, and expedient as possible. The commenter further stated that CMS should publish and allow for public comment on elements such as research questions and plans, evidence, and literature review involved in the coverage determination.

Response:

CMS appreciates this comment. Section 1862(l) of the Social Security Act and Federal Register (78 FR 48164) describe CMS’ process and opportunity for public comment on the agency’s proposed decisions. CMS uses several mechanisms to make the NCD process efficient, open, and accessible to the public. Upon publication on the CMS website of the tracking sheet and upon publication of a proposed decision, we invite the public review the content for 30 days and respond. The tracking sheet and proposed decision contain the elements mentioned by the commenter.