In Brief

CMS wants to know how providers feel about their Medicare contractors. The agency recently sent out a Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS) to a random sample of 8,200 fee-for-service providers, including DME suppliers. The survey focuses on seven functions: provider communications, provider inquiries, claims processing, appeals, medical review, provider enrollment and provider reimbursement. Final reports are expected in June. For more information, call 888/863-3561 or visit www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/mcpss/default.asp.

A bill to create a commission to study and delay Medicaid reforms by one year has gathered 19 co-sponsors. Oregon Rep. Gordon Smith, who introduced the bill, said there is a need to improve Medicaid’s “sustainability while maintaining access to care.” New Mexico Rep. Heather Wilson is planning a companion bill for the House.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins has introduced S. 300, a bill that would extend the rural-add-on payment for home health services to April 1, 2007. The bill complements similar legislation introduced in the House, H.R. 11, which now has 34 co-sponsors. To view the bills and the latest tally of co-sponsors, visit Congress’ online Web portal at http://thomas.loc.gov.

According to new research reported in the Los Angeles Times, health care spending in the United States has increased by $621 billion since 2000, to $1.9 trillion this year.