CMS has announced what it is describing as a "limited demonstration" of an internet-based notice and comment mechanism on requests to discontinue Level II HCPCS codes. The internet-based process would apply to HCPCS discontinuation requests that are generated by CMS based on national program operating needs, and that are not the subject of other notice and comment mechanisms and that are not replaced by other or new codes. CMS contends that this "demonstration" will enhance transparency by providing the public with advance notice and comment opportunity regarding internal decisions to discontinue HCPCS codes. CMS reserves the right to make immediate changes without notice (and take comments afterwards) if it believes there is a national program operating need to do so. The first year of the demonstration will be conducted in the current 2014/2015 HCPCS coding cycle. CMS will publish summaries of internal requests to discontinue permanent level II HCPCS codes by July 1, 2014, and CMS will accept public comments until July 21, 2014.
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