Medicare Program; Meeting of the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee-May 24, 2005, 15341-15342 [05-5594]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices the speaker by increments of less than 15 minutes. In other words, the amount of time allotted to aggregate proposals might not be expanded exponentially by the number of requests. We will post ‘‘Guidelines for Participation in Public Meetings for All New Public Requests for Revisions to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Coding and Payment Determinations’’ on the official HCPCS Web site at least a month before the first public meeting in 2005 for all new public requests for revisions to the HCPCS. Individuals designated to be the primary speaker must register to attend the meeting using the registration procedures described above and, at least 15 days before the meeting, contact one of the Public Meeting Coordinators, Gloria Knight at (410) 786–4598 or Jennifer Carver at (410) 786–6610. At the time of registration, primary speakers must provide a brief, written statement regarding the nature of the information they intend to provide, and advise the meeting coordinator regarding needs for audio/visual Support. In order to avoid disruption of the meeting and ensure compatibility with our systems, tapes and disk files are tested and arranged in speaker sequence well in advance of the meeting. We will accommodate tapes and disk files that are received by the Public Meeting Coordinators 7 or more calendar days before the meeting. B. ‘‘5-Minute’’ Speaker Presentations Meeting attendees can sign up at the meeting, on a first-come, first-served basis, to make 5-minute presentations on individual agenda items. Based on the number of items on the agenda and the progress of the meeting, a determination will be made at the meeting by the meeting coordinator and the meeting moderator regarding how many 5-minute speakers can be accommodated. In order to offer the same opportunity to all attendees, there is no pre-registration for 5-minute speakers. Attendees can sign up only on the day of the meeting to do a 5-minute presentation. They must provide their name, company name and address, contact information as specified on the sign-up sheet, and identify the specific agenda item that will be addressed. C. Speaker Declaration On the day of the meeting, prior to the end of the meeting, all primary speakers and 5-minute speakers must provide a brief written summary of their comments and conclusions to the Public Meeting Coordinator. The primary speakers and the 5minute speakers must declare in their VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 15341 presentations at the meeting, as well as in their written summaries, whether they have any financial involvement with the manufacturers or competitors of any items or services being discussed; this includes any payment, salary, remuneration, or benefit provided to that speaker by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s representatives. personal belongings or items used for demonstration or to support a presentation. Parking permits and instructions are issued upon arrival by the guards at the main entrance. All visitors must be escorted in areas other than the lower and first-floor levels in the Central Building. D. Written Comments From Meeting Attendees Written comments are welcome from all persons in attendance at a public meeting, regardless of whether they make an oral presentation. Written comments can be submitted either at the meeting or before the meeting via e-mail to https://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicare/ hcpcs or via regular mail to the HCPCS Coordinator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C5–08–27, Baltimore, MD 21244. Written comments to this address are also accepted from the general public anytime up to the date of the public meeting at which a request is discussed. Due to the close timing of the public meetings, subsequent workgroup reconsiderations, and final decisions, we are able to consider only those comments received in writing by the close of the public meeting at which the request is discussed. V. Special Accommodations Individuals attending a meeting who are hearing or visually impaired and have special requirements, or a condition that requires special assistance or accommodations, must provide this information when registering for the meeting. IV. Security, Building, and Parking Guidelines The meetings are held in a Federal government building; therefore, Federal security measures are applicable. In planning your arrival time, we recommend allowing additional time to clear security. In order to gain access to the building and grounds, participants must bring government-issued photo identification and a copy of your written meeting registration confirmation. Persons without proper identification may be denied access. Individuals who are not registered in advance will not be permitted to enter the building and will be unable to attend the meeting. The public may not enter the building earlier than 30 to 45 minutes prior to the convening of the meeting each day. Security measures also include inspection of vehicles, inside and out, at the entrance to the grounds. In addition, all persons entering the building must pass through a metal detector. All items brought to CMS, whether personal or for the purpose of demonstration or to support a presentation, are subject to inspection. We cannot assume responsibility for coordinating the receipt, transfer, transport, storage, setup, safety, or timely arrival of any PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Authority: Sections 1102 and 1871 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1302 and 42 U.S.C. 139hh). Dated: March 8, 2005. Mark B. McClellan, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. 05–5029 Filed 3–24–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS–3151–N] Medicare Program; Meeting of the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee—May 24, 2005 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting of the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC). The Committee provides advice and recommendations about whether scientific evidence is adequate to determine whether certain medical items and services are reasonable and necessary under the Medicare statute. This meeting concerns the treatment of vertebral body compression fractures. Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a)). DATES: This public meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. e.d.t. Deadlines Deadline for Presentations and Comments: Written comments and presentations must be received by May 4, 2005, 5 p.m., e.d.t. Deadline for Registration to Attend Meeting: For security reasons, E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15342 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices individuals wishing to attend this meeting must register by close of business on May 16, 2005. Special Accommodations: Persons attending the meeting who are hearing or visually impaired, or have a condition that requires special assistance or accommodations, are asked to notify the Executive Secretary by April 19, 2005 (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the auditorium at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21244. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Atkinson, Executive Secretary, by telephone at (410) 786–2881 or by email at michelle.atkinson@cms.hhs.gov public comments to assist in the discussions and recommendations regarding the net health outcomes of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures. Background information about this topic, including panel materials, is available on the Internet at https:// www.cms.hhs.gov/coverage/. Hotline FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT You can access up-to-date information on this meeting on the CMS Advisory Committee Information Hotline, 1–877– 449–5659 (toll free) or in the Baltimore area, (410) 786–9379. Website You can access up-to-date information on this meeting at www.cms.hhs.gov/ mcac/default.asp#meetings. Presentations and Comments Interested persons may present data, information, or views orally or in writing on issues pending before the Committee. Please submit written comments to Michelle Atkinson, by email at michelle.atkinson@cms.hhs.gov or by mail to the Executive Secretary for MCAC, Coverage and Analysis Group, Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C1–09–06, Baltimore, MD 21244. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On December 14, 1998, we published a notice in the Federal Register (63 FR 68780) to describe the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC), which provides advice and recommendations to us about clinical issues. This notice announces a public meeting of the Committee. Meeting Topic: The Committee will discuss evidence, hear presentations and public comment, and make recommendations regarding vertebral body compression fractures. The MCAC will discuss scientific evidence on the effectiveness of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures in the Medicare population. Committee members will be given a presentation reviewing the current literature and also receive VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 II. Procedure This meeting is open to the public. The Committee will hear oral presentations from the public for approximately 45 minutes. The Committee may limit the number and duration of oral presentations to the time available. If you wish to make formal presentations, you must notify the Executive Secretary named in the section and submit the following by the Deadline for Presentations and Comments date listed in the Deadlines section of this notice: A brief statement of the general nature of the evidence or arguments you wish to present, and the names and addresses of proposed participants. A written copy of your presentation must be provided to each Committee member before offering your public comments. Your presentation must address the questions asked by CMS to the Committee. The questions will be available on our Web site at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcac/ default.asp meetings. If the specific questions are not addressed, your presentation will not be accepted. We request that you declare at the meeting whether or not you have any financial involvement with manufacturers of any items or services being discussed (or with their competitors). After the public and CMS presentations, the Committee will deliberate openly on the topic. Interested persons may observe the deliberations, but the Committee will not hear further comments during this time except at the request of the chairperson. The Committee will also allow a 15 minute unscheduled open public session for any attendee to address issues specific to the topic. At the conclusion of the day, the members will vote and the Committee will make its recommendation. III. Registration Instructions The Coverage and Analysis Group is coordinating meeting registration. While there is no registration fee, individuals must register to attend. You may register by contacting Maria Ellis at 410–786– 0309, mailing address: Coverage and Analysis Group, OCSQ; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; 7500 Security Blvd, Mailstop: C1–09–06; PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Baltimore, MD 21244, or by e-mail at Mellis@cms.hhs.gov. Please provide your name, address, organization, telephone and fax number, and e-mail address. You will receive a registration confirmation with instructions for your arrival at the CMS complex. You will be notified if the seating capacity has been reached. This meeting is located on Federal property; therefore, for security reasons, any individuals wishing to attend this meeting must register by close of business on May 16, 2005. IV. Security, Building, and Parking Guidelines This meeting will be held in a Federal government building; therefore, Federal security measures are applicable. In planning your arrival time, we recommend allowing additional time to clear security. In order to gain access to the building and grounds, individuals must present photographic identification to the Federal Protective Service or Guard Service personnel before being allowed entrance. Security measures also include inspection of vehicles, inside and out, at the entrance to the grounds. In addition, all individuals entering the building must pass through a metal detector. All items brought to CMS, whether personal or for the purpose of demonstration or to support a presentation, are subject to inspection. CMS cannot assume responsibility for coordinating the receipt, transfer, transport, storage, setup, safety, or timely arrival of any personal belongings or items used for demonstration or to support a presentation. Parking permits and instructions will be issued upon arrival by the guards at the main entrance. Note: Individuals who are not registered in advance will not be permitted to enter the building and will be unable to attend the meeting. The public may not enter the building earlier than 30 to 45 minutes prior to the convening of the meeting. All visitors must be escorted in areas other than the lower and first-floor levels in the Central Building. Authority: 5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a). (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.774, Medicare— Supplementary Medical Insurance Program) Dated: March 9, 2005. Sean R. Tunis, Director, Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. 05–5594 Filed 3–24–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 57 (Friday, March 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15341-15342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5594]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[CMS-3151-N]


Medicare Program; Meeting of the Medicare Coverage Advisory 
Committee--May 24, 2005

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting of the Medicare 
Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC). The Committee provides advice and 
recommendations about whether scientific evidence is adequate to 
determine whether certain medical items and services are reasonable and 
necessary under the Medicare statute. This meeting concerns the 
treatment of vertebral body compression fractures. Notice of this 
meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
App. 2, section 10(a)).

DATES: This public meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 from 
7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. e.d.t.

Deadlines

    Deadline for Presentations and Comments: Written comments and 
presentations must be received by May 4, 2005, 5 p.m., e.d.t.
    Deadline for Registration to Attend Meeting: For security reasons,

[[Page 15342]]

individuals wishing to attend this meeting must register by close of 
business on May 16, 2005.
    Special Accommodations: Persons attending the meeting who are 
hearing or visually impaired, or have a condition that requires special 
assistance or accommodations, are asked to notify the Executive 
Secretary by April 19, 2005 (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the auditorium at the Centers 
for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 
21244.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Atkinson, Executive 
Secretary, by telephone at (410) 786-2881 or by e-mail at 
michelle.atkinson@cms.hhs.gov

Hotline

    You can access up-to-date information on this meeting on the CMS 
Advisory Committee Information Hotline, 1-877-449-5659 (toll free) or 
in the Baltimore area, (410) 786-9379.

Website

    You can access up-to-date information on this meeting at 
www.cms.hhs.gov/mcac/default.asp#meetings.

Presentations and Comments

    Interested persons may present data, information, or views orally 
or in writing on issues pending before the Committee. Please submit 
written comments to Michelle Atkinson, by email at 
michelle.atkinson@cms.hhs.gov or by mail to the Executive Secretary for 
MCAC, Coverage and Analysis Group, Office of Clinical Standards and 
Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Mail Stop C1-09-06, Baltimore, MD 21244.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    On December 14, 1998, we published a notice in the Federal Register 
(63 FR 68780) to describe the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee 
(MCAC), which provides advice and recommendations to us about clinical 
issues. This notice announces a public meeting of the Committee.
    Meeting Topic: The Committee will discuss evidence, hear 
presentations and public comment, and make recommendations regarding 
vertebral body compression fractures. The MCAC will discuss scientific 
evidence on the effectiveness of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty 
procedures in the Medicare population. Committee members will be given 
a presentation reviewing the current literature and also receive public 
comments to assist in the discussions and recommendations regarding the 
net health outcomes of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures.
    Background information about this topic, including panel materials, 
is available on the Internet at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/coverage/.

II. Procedure

    This meeting is open to the public. The Committee will hear oral 
presentations from the public for approximately 45 minutes. The 
Committee may limit the number and duration of oral presentations to 
the time available. If you wish to make formal presentations, you must 
notify the Executive Secretary named in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section and submit the following by the Deadline for 
Presentations and Comments date listed in the Deadlines section of this 
notice: A brief statement of the general nature of the evidence or 
arguments you wish to present, and the names and addresses of proposed 
participants. A written copy of your presentation must be provided to 
each Committee member before offering your public comments. Your 
presentation must address the questions asked by CMS to the Committee. 
The questions will be available on our Web site at https://
www.cms.hhs.gov/mcac/default.asp meetings. If the specific questions 
are not addressed, your presentation will not be accepted. We request 
that you declare at the meeting whether or not you have any financial 
involvement with manufacturers of any items or services being discussed 
(or with their competitors).
    After the public and CMS presentations, the Committee will 
deliberate openly on the topic. Interested persons may observe the 
deliberations, but the Committee will not hear further comments during 
this time except at the request of the chairperson. The Committee will 
also allow a 15 minute unscheduled open public session for any attendee 
to address issues specific to the topic. At the conclusion of the day, 
the members will vote and the Committee will make its recommendation.

III. Registration Instructions

    The Coverage and Analysis Group is coordinating meeting 
registration. While there is no registration fee, individuals must 
register to attend. You may register by contacting Maria Ellis at 410-
786-0309, mailing address: Coverage and Analysis Group, OCSQ; Centers 
for Medicare & Medicaid Services; 7500 Security Blvd, Mailstop: C1-09-
06; Baltimore, MD 21244, or by e-mail at Mellis@cms.hhs.gov. Please 
provide your name, address, organization, telephone and fax number, and 
e-mail address.
    You will receive a registration confirmation with instructions for 
your arrival at the CMS complex. You will be notified if the seating 
capacity has been reached.
    This meeting is located on Federal property; therefore, for 
security reasons, any individuals wishing to attend this meeting must 
register by close of business on May 16, 2005.

IV. Security, Building, and Parking Guidelines

    This meeting will be held in a Federal government building; 
therefore, Federal security measures are applicable. In planning your 
arrival time, we recommend allowing additional time to clear security.
    In order to gain access to the building and grounds, individuals 
must present photographic identification to the Federal Protective 
Service or Guard Service personnel before being allowed entrance.
    Security measures also include inspection of vehicles, inside and 
out, at the entrance to the grounds. In addition, all individuals 
entering the building must pass through a metal detector. All items 
brought to CMS, whether personal or for the purpose of demonstration or 
to support a presentation, are subject to inspection. CMS cannot assume 
responsibility for coordinating the receipt, transfer, transport, 
storage, set-up, safety, or timely arrival of any personal belongings 
or items used for demonstration or to support a presentation.
    Parking permits and instructions will be issued upon arrival by the 
guards at the main entrance.


    Note: Individuals who are not registered in advance will not be 
permitted to enter the building and will be unable to attend the 
meeting. The public may not enter the building earlier than 30 to 45 
minutes prior to the convening of the meeting.


    All visitors must be escorted in areas other than the lower and 
first-floor levels in the Central Building.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a). (Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.774, Medicare--Supplementary 
Medical Insurance Program)

    Dated: March 9, 2005.
Sean R. Tunis,
Director, Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for 
Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 05-5594 Filed 3-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
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