[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 82 (Friday, April 29, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22321-22322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8593]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[CMS-1314-N]


Medicare Program; Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory 
Council, May 23, 2005

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Practicing 
Physicians Advisory Council (the Council). The Council will be meeting 
to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and carrier manual 
instructions related to physicians' services, as identified by the 
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the 
Secretary). This meeting is open to the public.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2005, from 8:30 
a.m. until 5 p.m. e.d.t.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in Room 705A, 7th floor, in the 
Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20201.
    Meeting Registration: Persons wishing to attend this meeting must 
contact the Designated Federal Official (DFO) by email at 
[email protected] at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to 
register. Persons not registered in advance will not be permitted into 
the Hubert H. Humphrey Building and will not be permitted to attend the 
Council meeting. Persons attending the meeting will be required to show 
a photographic identification, preferably a valid driver's license, 
before entering the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Buchanon, Designated Federal 
Official, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, 7500 Security Blvd., 
Mail Stop C4-11-27, Baltimore, MD, 21244-1850, telephone (410) 786-
6132, or e-mail [email protected]. News media representatives must 
contact the CMS Press Office, (202) 690-6145. Please refer to the CMS 
Advisory Committees Information Line (1-877-449-5659 toll free) ((410) 
786-9379 local) or the Internet at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/faca/ppac/default.asp for additional information and updates on committee 
activities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary is mandated by section 1868(a) 
of the Social Security Act (the Act) to appoint a Practicing Physicians 
Advisory Council (the Council) based on nominations submitted by 
medical organizations representing physicians. The Council meets 
quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and 
carrier manual instructions related to physicians' services, as 
identified by the Secretary. To the extent feasible and consistent with 
statutory deadlines, the consultation must occur before publication of 
the proposed changes. The Council submits an annual report on its 
recommendations to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Centers 
for Medicare & Medicaid Services not later than December 31 of each 
year.
    The Council consists of 15 physicians, each of whom must have 
submitted at least 250 claims for physicians' services under Medicare 
in the previous year. Members of the Council include both participating 
and nonparticipating physicians, and physicians practicing in rural and 
underserved urban areas. At least 11 members of the Council must be 
physicians as described in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act; that is, 
State-licensed doctors of medicine or osteopathy. The remaining 4 
members may include dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and 
chiropractors. Members serve for overlapping 4-year terms; terms of 
more than 2 years are contingent upon the renewal of the Council by 
appropriate action prior to

[[Page 22322]]

its termination. Section 1868(a)(1) of the Act provides that 
nominations to the Secretary for Council membership must be made by 
medical organizations representing physicians.
    The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992. The current 
members are-Jose Azocar, M.D.; Ronald Castellanos, M.D. (Chairperson); 
Rebecca Gaughan, M.D.; Peter Grimm, D.O.; Carlos R. Hamilton, M.D.; 
Dennis K. Iglar, M.D.; Christopher Leggett, M.D.; Barbara McAneny, 
M.D.; Geraldine O'Shea, D.O.; Laura B. Powers, M.D.; Anthony Senagore, 
M.D.; and Robert L. Urata, M.D.
    The meeting will commence with the swearing-in of three Council 
members. The Council's Executive Director will give a status report and 
the CMS responses to the recommendations made by the Council at the 
March 7, 2005 meeting and prior meeting recommendations. Additionally, 
updates will be provided on the Physician Regulatory Issues Team 
(PRIT), and the National Provider Identifier. In accordance with the 
Council charter, we are requesting assistance with the following agenda 
topics:
     Pay for Performance Initiatives
     Recovery Audits
     Part D Prescription Drug Program
     Competitive Acquisition for Drugs

For additional information and clarification on these topics, contact 
the Executive Director, listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section of this notice. Individual physicians or medical 
organizations that represent physicians wishing to make a 5-minute oral 
presentation on agenda issues must contact the Designated Federal 
Officer (DFO) by 12 noon, e.d.t., May 12, 2005, to be scheduled. 
Testimony is limited to agenda topics only. The number of oral 
presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy of 
the presenter's oral remarks must be submitted to the DFO by e-mail at 
[email protected], no later than 12 noon, e.d.t., May 16, 2005, for 
distribution to Council members to review prior to the meeting. 
Physicians and medical organizations not scheduled to speak may also 
submit written comments to the DFO for distribution no later than 12 
noon, e.d.t., May 16, 2005. The meeting is open to the public, but 
attendance is limited to the space available.
    Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring sign language 
interpretation or other special accommodation must contact the DFO by 
e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (410) 786-6132 at least 
10 days before the meeting.

    Authority: (Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395ee) and section 10(a) of Pub. L. 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, 
section 10(a)).

    Dated: April 25, 2005.
Mark B. McClellan
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 05-8593 Filed 4-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P