Draft memo raises fears of carrier medical director cut-backs

Why This Topic Matters

It matters because it addresses how Medicare contractor staffing and advisory structures may affect communication between carriers and physicians, as well as the administration of medical review and related policy processes.

Article Sections

1. Draft Medicare policy change and carrier medical director concerns

   Explains the draft Medicare transmittal and why specialty societies were concerned about possible staffing reductions at multi-state carriers. It also summarizes the positions described by CMS and the carrier involved.

2. Carrier Advisory Committee changes

   Summarizes the separate portion of the draft policy related to carrier advisory committee restructuring and notes the reactions from physician organizations and Medicare officials.