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Campaign for Public Comment on CMS Proposed Rule for (continued) CRNA Reimbursement

Posted over 11 years ago by Regina Pommer

This announcement has 1 attachment:

Hello everyone,

I am attaching a message that was sent out to all our CRNAs in Florida. It pertains to the recent proposal by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide for uniform, nationwide reimbursement for pain care provided by CRNAs. While this reimbursement has been in place for more than 10 years, it has recently been challenged by an arbitrary refusal of two Medicare Reimbursement Contractors to pay honest claims by CRNAs in rural and underserved areas in 18 states (not Florida). While we are not aware of any Florida CRNAs who are affected, this CMS Rule is crucial to all Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the country.

We appreciate that CMS has made the rule in APRN favor -- it's the right thing to do. But we are also aware that, as we seek member comment, so do our detractors. We are hoping for 40,000 comments before the comment period closes on September 4, 2012. I know that is ambitious, but, with your help, it is not impossible. I am asking you to spread the word to your members about the importance of public comment.  

CMS has advised us that since each individual comment will be read, it will be the personal stories that will be most appreciated. They are seeking comment from Consumers as well. If you know someone who is one of the "100 Million" (pain care recipients), please ask them to share their story - it means a lot!.

The website is very user-friendly: http://www.protectmypaincare.com/ There are talking points, helpful links and a wealth of information.  

Please feel free to share my attachment and my email overture with your members. Together we can ensure the future of Nursing Practice, providing care to those in need, at the full measure of our education and training, reimbursed fairly for the quality care we provide.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation,

Sincerely,

Kathleen 

Kathleen C. Thibeault, MSN, ARNP, CCRN, CRNA
President
Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists