National and Local Coverage Determinations

National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) are binding on all Medicare contractors, quality improvement organizations, health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans and health care prepayment plans. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services determines whether a particular item or service is covered nationally by Medicare, which essentially grants, limits or excludes national coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries.

However, 90 percent of Medicare policies are established at the local level, providing contractors with tremendous authority over payment policy in a given state. Representatives of the 黑料网 Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) Network advocate on behalf of radiology for fair reimbursement policies at the local Medicare level.

By reviewing and commenting on Local Coverage Decisions (LCDs) and proposed policy changes, the CAC networks help ensure that members are appropriately reimbursed for medically reasonable and necessary services provided to Medicare patients.

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Medicare Coverage Activities

Alicia Blakey
Economics and Health Policy
ablakey@acr.org 

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National Coverage Determinations


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CMS  contain detailed information on the NCD process and decision-making factors to assist parties or organizations that may request an NCD.

Requesting an NCD 
Anyone can request an NCD from CMS. However, "aggrieved" beneficiaries, defined as "individuals entitled to benefits under Part A, or enrolled under Part B, or both, who are in need of the items or services that are the subject of the coverage determination", are given priority. CMS has outlined a , which takes 9 months or more from the date the complete request is received by CMS to the date that coverage changes are implemented.



MEDCAC
MEDCAC — the 
 — advises CMS on whether specific medical items and services are reasonable and necessary under Medicare law related to certain NCD submissions. MEDCAC performs a detailed analysis and provides comments regarding specific clinical and scientific issues in an open and public forum but CMS makes the final decision on coverage issues. 

Local Coverage Determinations


CAC Advisory Committee Process

What is an LCD?

An LCD, as defined in §1869(f)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (SSA), is a determination by a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) regarding whether or not a particular item or service is covered on a contractor–wide basis in accordance with section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Act. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) establish LCDs.

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Local Medicare policies under development in your state

When a Medicare contractor develops a new LCD or significantly revises an existing one, a 45-day public comment period is required. During this time, Contractor Medical Directors (CMDs) solicit input from members of the CAC. Comments can be submitted to the CMD or electronically through your Medicare contractor's website. After the CMDs have considered all comments received, there is a 45-day notice period prior to implementation of the final LCD. Providers and billing staff should track LCD changes using the Medicare Coverage Database. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised rules for the development and administration of Medicare Local coverage determinations (LCDs). Learn more about the LCD Modernization Process effective January 1, 2019

What is the CAC Network?

The 黑料网 CAC Network was developed to encourage communication and coordination among all radiology CAC representatives. The 黑料网 is committed to providing as much assistance as possible to each CAC representative. Adoption of the 黑料网 CAC Networks and the model by the state chapters created a more organized and effective mechanism for dealing with local Medicare issues. State Chapter leaders should notify 黑料网 staff of changes to CAC representatives and alternates.

For questions regarding the CAC Network at the 黑料网, please contact Alicia Blakey.

CMS Coverage Resources

Principles for Sound Local Coverage Policies

These principles are developed by the 黑料网 and 18 organizations to strengthen the local coverage determination process and engagement of our members with Medicare contractors. The development of sound and effective local coverage policies is driven by a framework that supports successful and consistent communication between Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) representatives and Contractor Medical Directors (CMDs); inclusion of the most diverse and qualified candidates for input; transparency and adequate opportunities for comment; clear definition of articles and other supporting materials; and Contractor accountability that is measurable and enforceable. These principles allow for Medicare providers to meaningfully participate in the process for developing policy that affects the care they can deliver, and ultimately ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive the medically necessary care to which they are entitled.

Additional Resources


Radiology Coding Source

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Feel secure about your coding proficiency and keep up-to-date on Medicare policies with our bimonthly newsletter for radiology coding and reimbursement news.

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Imaging 3.0

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The technology tools of Imaging 3.0 are designed to equip 21st-century radiologists to ensure their key role in evolving health care delivery and payment models — and quality patient care.

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