Jan. 28, 2007 deadline on ASC Comment letters

If you are interventional pain physician who owns or works in an ASC, it is very important that you send a comment letter to CMS addressing the many disparities which exist between ASC setting and HOPD setting. These disparities coupled with the new proposal by CMS are of great concern to ASIPP and SIPMS.

The cut-off for comment letters is Jan. 28, 2008 but please customize and send your letter(s) as soon as possible. If you send you letter via USPS you must send one original and two copies (3 total should be mailed). You may also send your comment letter electronically by clicking on the following link: Submit comment letter. We ask that you also get your staff involved as they may also send comment letters.

The docket number and titel is: CMS-1392-FC - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Changes to the Hpsoital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and CY 2008 Payment Rates; Changes to the Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System and CY 2008Payment; Changes to Hospital Conditions of Participation; Changes Affecting Necessary Provider Designations of Critical Access Hospitals Rates

To assist you in sending your letter electronically, we have provided step-by-step instructions.

• Click on the link to access the sample letter
• Save the file to your computer
• Edit the letter as you desire adding your name and address to the letter
• Click on the following  CMS link to submit
• Click on the "Submit Comment" button
• Fill out the personal information screen and click "Continue"
• Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and type "attachment" in the text box
• Click on "Continue"
• Click on "browse," choose the Word file containing the saved comment letter
• Choose the appropriate file type and click and click on "Save Comments"