| October 17, 2000 |
Referred to the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC) for further consideration by the Executive Committee on November 7. Internal review of the data and the EPC report raise concerns about methodological limitations in the empirical scientific evidence provided, however, HCFA is aware of the clinical and theoretical support for expanded coverage within the imaging community. Given this difference of opinion, HCFA would like input from the MCAC. Current members of the MCAC are Harold C. Sox, MD (Chairperson); Thomas V. Holohan, MD (FACP); Leslie P. Francis, JD, PhD; John H. Ferguson, MD; Robert L. Murray, PhD; Alan M. Garber, MD, PhD; Michael D. Maves, MD, MBA; Frank J. Papatheofanis, MD, PhD; Ronald M. Davis, MD; Daisy Alford-Smith, PhD; Joe W. Johnson, DC; Robert H. Brook, MD, ScD; Linda A. Bergthold, PhD; Randel E. Richner, MPH. To augment the panel's consideration of PET coverage issues, HCFA has asked Dr. Richard Klausner, Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to designate a representative to participate in the MCAC review. Dr. Ellen Feigal, Deputy Director of the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis of the NCI, will serve as the NCI representative. Prior to the MCAC meeting, the requestors are encouraged to respond to the issues identified in the EPC report and to work with HCFA staff in formulating the questions to be considered by the MCAC. After receiving the input of the MCAC, HCFA will make a coverage decision by December 15, 2000.
The initial coverage request and the EPC report are available upon request. You may contact Mary Stojak of HCFA at (410) 786-6939.
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