Ciscomani, Smucker propose oversight of Medicare billing codes

The Ripon Advance

Reporter: Ripon Advance News Service

U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) recently offered legislation that aims to increase transparency regarding Medicare billing codes to help identify inefficiencies and to give patients, physicians, and policy makers more insight into how billing decisions impact healthcare costs.  

“Seniors in my district, and across the U.S., who are on Medicare deserve full transparency about their healthcare costs and coverage,” said Rep. Ciscomani, who on May 23 introduced the Oversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act, H.R. 3580, alongside two Republican cosponsors, including Rep. Smucker.

If enacted, H.R. 3580 would direct the Office of Inspector General within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the processes and procedures used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) when determining Medicare billing codes. 

“As we continue the meaningful work of safeguarding these vital benefits while reducing waste and increasing efficiency, we need to understand CMS’ processes and what is driving up Medicare costs and premiums,” Rep. Ciscomani said. “My bill is a common-sense solution to identify trends and inefficiencies, reduce waste, and provide greater transparency to CMS’ process and the factors they consider when altering, removing, or approving new billing codes.”... CONTINUE READING