Pennsylvania: February 13, 2008 (Registration Closed)
Maryland: February 20, 2008 (Open Session Cancelled)

Open Sessions are available whereby "interested parties" have the opportunity to present scientific, evidence-based information; professional consensus opinions; or any other relevant information regarding draft LCDs.  The next Open Sessions will be held on February 13, 2008 (Registration Closed), and February 20, 2008 (Maryland – Part A).

These in-person presentations are made to the Highmark Medicare Services’ Contractor Medical Directors. 

The following is a list of the draft LCDs.  Draft LCDs will be published on January 24, 2008 on Highmark Medicare Services' website.

PART B DRAFT POLICIES FOR PENNSYLVANIA:

I-6J Approved Drugs and Biologicals* (Revision)
I-7U Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) (Revision)
M-62F Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (Revision)
R-13 Radiation Oncology Services (New)
Z-56G Trigger Point Injections (Revision)
Z-61B  Paravertebral Facet Joint Nerve Block and Sacroiliac Joint Injections (Revision)
 
PART A DRAFT POLICIES FOR PENNSYLVANIA:
 
I-6J Approved Drugs and Biologicals (New) 
I-7U Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) (Revision)
M-62F Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (New)
R-13 Radiation Oncology Services (New)
Z-56G Trigger Point Injections (New)
Z-61B  Paravertebral Facet Joint Nerve Block and Sacroiliac Joint Injections (New)

PART A DRAFT POLICIES FOR MARYLAND:

I-6J Approved Drugs and Biologicals (New)
I-7U Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) (Revision)
M-62F Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (New)
R-13 Radiation Oncology Services (New)
Z-56G Trigger Point Injections (New)
Z-61B  Paravertebral Facet Joint Nerve Block and Sacroiliac Joint Injections (New)

* The Part B Pennsylvania LCD I-6J has not been revised; rather, we are posting this policy as new in Part A Pennsylvania and Part A Maryland as part of efforts to align our LCDs in our contract areas. This said, the Part B Pennsylvania LCD I-6J is subject to change based on the comments that we receive.

The February 13^th Open Session, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will take place at Highmark Medicare Services, 1800 Center Street, Camp Hill, PA.  Parties interested in making a presentation on a draft policy must submit either a written request to the address below, or notification through the link provided in this document.  The letter or electronic notification of presentation must be received on or before February 6, 2008.  (Registration Closed)

The February 20^th Open Session, beginning at 10:00 a.m., will take place at the Highmark Medicare Services’ Timonium, Maryland office.  Parties interested in making a presentation on a draft policy must submit either a written request to the address below, or notification through the link provided in this document.  The letter or electronic notification of presentation must be received on or before February 13, 2008.

Anna Gene Risoldi, CPC
Sr. Research Analyst
Program Safeguards
Highmark Medicare Services
1800 Center Street, 1AL3
Camp Hill, PA 17089-0089

Please click here to register to be a presenter at the MD or PA Open Sessions in February.

Click here for driving directions (Camp Hill Session).

Click here for driving directions (Maryland Session).

At a minimum this request must include:

• Your name, street and e-mail addresses, fax and telephone numbers, and company affiliation;
• The name of the draft policy that your presentation will address;
• Two copies of any and all medical documentation in support of your position (e.g., peer-reviewed literature, medical literature citations, clinical trial results, etc.);
• A list of audio-visual equipment requirements;
• Any special needs that any participants may require in order to attend the session; and
• 100 copies of a one-page summary (one or both sides) document on your presentation.  This document will be distributed to the members of the CAC.  Please note that we will not accept documents that are more than one page.

Following the receipt of the above information, you will be notified of the time for your presentation, and travel directions, if necessary.  Each presenter will be allowed fifteen (15) minutes including set-up and break down of any visual materials.

Observers

Persons not interested in making a presentation, but who would like to attend the Open Session as an observer are welcome.  Please provide notification of your intent to attend either in writing to the above address, or by utilizing one of the following links.  A request to attend the Pennsylvania Open Session must be received on or before February 6, 2008.  A request to attend the Maryland Open Session must be received on or before February 13, 2008.  We will acknowledge your request as a non-participatory attendee.

Please click here to register to be an observer at the PA or MD Open Sessions in February.

Click here for driving directions (Camp Hill Session).

Click here for driving directions (Maryland Session).

Additional February 13, 2008 Open Session Information - Upon arrival at the Pennsylvania session, please park in the visitor’s parking lot in front of the building, and enter Building #1.  You will be given a security badge, and will be escorted to the meeting location.

The next Open Sessions are scheduled for June 11, 2008 (Pennsylvania) and June 18, 2008 (Maryland).  Notification of the Open Sessions will be posted on our website approximately one month prior to the meeting dates.