NRRTS Participating in NCART Led Response to Complex Rehab Inclusion in CB Round 2

Thank you to Don Clayback, from NCART, for the following progress report on these efforts.

"We continue to work on the CRT issues relating to Round 2 of Competitive Bidding and the “Standard Wheelchair” Product Category.  Here’s an update:

We met last week with key staff at CMS to review our concerns.  This was our second meeting with them.  While we are not at a resolution yet, we have fully identified our concerns and the basis for the needed changes.  They shared that they are doing additional research around the points we have raised, specifically around the K5 and Adjustable Cushions.  There was a fair amount of discussion with them during the meeting and afterward.  We will be supplying additional information as follow up.  

Supporting letters have been sent by RESNA and the ITEM Coalition to Dr. Berwick, CMS Administrator, requesting corrective actions.

 We will be requesting members of Congress to also send letters to CMS identifying the concerns and asking CMS to take the necessary actions.
Should you be interested in more detail, attached are the following for your reference:

1. Presentation to CMS on 10-5-11 (this was supplemented with other leave behinds).
2. Pie Chart showing that CRT is very small % of bid items and will have negligible savings impact.
3. ITEM Coalition supporting Letter (21 groups signed on).
4. RESNA supporting letter.

 We will be continuing the dialogue with CMS and seeking their agreement to make the changes.  In addition, we will be seeking Congressional intervention to reinforce the need for changes.  We must be sure CMS gets the message that these are big concerns that need to be addressed."