Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; New Categories...

Re: Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; New Categories for Hospital Outpatient Department Prior Authorization Process; Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule: Laboratory Date of Service Policy; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating Methodology; and Physician- Owned Hospitals [CMS-1736-P]

Dear Administrator Verma:

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above-referenced proposed rule revising and updating payment systems and quality reporting programs for hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers (the Proposed Rule).

The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading resource for patients, health care professionals and organizations seeking up-to-date, medically sound information and program materials on the causes, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Established in 1984 as America’s only voluntary, nonprofit health organization dedicated to reducing the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis, the foundation has grown to include a network of diverse stakeholders that support its goals to increase public awareness and knowledge, educate physicians and health care professionals, and support research activities in osteoporosis and bone health.

Click here to read the full comment letter.