CMS Slates Beneficiary Sessions on Competitive Bidding

WATERLOO, Iowa — VGM reported yesterday that CMS is
holding training sessions on the competitive bidding program for
beneficiaries. “It is extremely important that beneficiaries and
hospital discharge officials (referral sources) attend these
sessions and ask questions regarding the impact of the program,” a
legislative update from the member services group said.

“According to a DME provider in Kansas City,” the update read,
“a recent CMS training session in his area was ‘well intended, but
not well received’ by area discharge planners and social workers.
The provider indicated that several key referral sources are ‘up in
arms’ about the program and concerned about access.”

The schedule for upcoming CMS sessions, beginning tomorrow
(Wednesday, Aug. 18), includes:

West Palm Beach, FL
August 18, 2010
10:00a.m.-12:00 noon
St. Mary’s Medical Center
901 45th St., West Palm Beach, FL
Rooms: TBD

Miami, FL
August 19, 2010
10:00a.m.-12:00 noon
Jackson Health System
Ira C. Diagnostic Treatment Center
1080 N.W. 19th St., Miami, FL
Conference Rooms: 259 & 270

Charlotte, NC
August 25, 2010
10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Ray Hall Community Center
3800 Shamrock Drive
Charlotte, NC
Room: Fellowship Hall

Ft. Lauderdale, FL
August 18, 2010
2:00-4:00 p.m.
North Broward Medical Center
201 East Sample Rd.,
Deerfield Beach, FL
Classrooms: 5 & 9

Rock Hill, SC
August 24, 2010
10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House
2275 Indian Hook Rd., Rock Hill, SC
Rooms: Community & Sanctuary

Orlando, FL
August 30, 2010
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Orlando Regional Medical Center
1414 Kuhl Avenue, Orlando, FL
Multipurpose Rooms: B & C

Registration for the sessions is required. For information on
the sessions from CMS’ Atlanta regional office, call
404/562-7220.

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