Sources for Obtaining Information

80.3 - Sources for Obtaining Information (Rev. 77, Issued: 10-28-05, Effective Date: 10-28-05) In an effort to make the coverage process more open, understandable, and predictable, CMS has redesigned its Medicare coverage process. Part of the redesign includes using the Internet to inform interested parties about how national coverage determinations are made and the progress of each issue under coverage review. • The Medicare Coverage Homepage The Medicare Coverage Homepage, located at http://cms.hhs.gov/coverage/ has links that: o Provide a listing of all National Coverage Determinations; and o Enable you to Search the Database. Both pending and closed coverage determinations are listed. For each coverage topic CMS provides a staff name and e-mail link so interested parties can use the Internet to send questions and to provide feedback. • The NCD Manual: The Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Pub. 100-3, is the primary record of Medicare national coverage policies, and includes a discussion of the circumstances under which items and services are covered. This manual may be accessed at http://cms.hhs.gov/manuals/103_cov_determ. • Program Transmittals Additional information on new coverage can be found in the Program Transmittals that transmit CMS’ new policies and procedures. Links to the Program Transmittals may be found at http://cms.hhs.gov/manuals/transmittals.