CMS Accepting Public Comments on CT Colonography Coverage

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are accepting public comments on potential national coverage of computed tomography colonography (CTC). The CMS' request for comment is a result of the March 2008 recommendation (by the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Multi Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology) to consider CTC an acceptable option for colorectal cancer screening.

Although CTC is not recognized as a possible coverage option by Medicare law or regulations, "CMS is allowed to use the NCD process to determine coverage of other types of colorectal cancer screening tests that are not specifically identified in the law or regulations as it determines to be appropriate, in consultation with appropriate organizations," according to information from the CMS Web site.

CMS intends to assess the appropriateness of CTC for colorectal cancer screening, and will consider public comments as it establishes whether or not it will establish national coverage of the procedure. Comments are being accepted through June 18 HERE.

Source: CMS