ALERT MEDCAC Meeting, Wednesday Nov. 18th Diagnostic and treatment methods used in the management of secondary lymphedema

 

CMS has called a Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) meeting to discuss the adequacy of the available evidence that supports the diagnostic and treatment methods used in the management of secondary lymphedema. Medicare currently has a national coverage determination for the use lymphedema pumps related to the treatment of this condition.

Lymphedema can be classified as either primary (due to abnormal development or growth of the lymphatic system) or secondary (due to injury to the lymphatic system). In the United States, the most common form of secondary lymphedema is that associated with the surgery and radiation of cancer treatment.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[CMS–3215–N]

Medicare Program; Meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee— November 18, 2009
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

SUMMARY: This notice announces that a public meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) (‘‘Committee’’) will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. The Committee generally provides advice and recommendations concerning the adequacy of scientific evidence needed to determine whether certain medical items and services can be covered under the Medicare statute. This meeting will focus on the quality of evidence surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of secondary lymphedema. This meeting is open to the public in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a)).

Public Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, 2009; 7:30am- 4:30 pm (EST) in
the main auditorium of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244.

Deadline for Submission of Written Comments: 5 pm (EDT) on October 19, 2009. Once submitted all comments are final. Presentation materials and written comments must be submitted via e-mail to MedCACpresentations@cms.hhs.gov or by regular mail to:

Maria Ellis, Executive Secretary for MEDCAC,
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, Coverage and Analysis Group,
C1–09–06,
7500 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21244

Deadlines for Speaker Registration and Presentation Materials: 5 pm, EDT on Monday, October 19, 2009. Speakers register by phone or via e-mail by contacting Ms. Ellis. Ms. Ellis (410–786–0309) or e-mail at Maria.Ellis@cms.hhs.gov.
 
Deadline for All Other Attendees Registration: by 5 p.m., EDT on Wednesday, November 11th. Individuals may register by phone or via e-mail by contacting Ms. Ellis (410–786–0309) or e-mail at Maria.Ellis@cms.hhs.gov.