On March 11, 2008, the Heart Rhythm Society, along with representatives from other physician societies, pharmacists and laboratories, participated in a roundtable on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) impact on small physician practices, called by Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), House Small Business Committee Chair.

Also in attendance were Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), Subcommittee on Regulations, Healthcare and Trade Chair; Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) and Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY), member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Velázquez reached out to the provider community to determine any challenges that currently exist regarding implementation of CMS policies and regulations, which disproportionately impact small practices, and to determine how the Committee might be of assistance to the medical community.

Topics raised included:

• Records retention polices
• Implementation of Health Information Technology systems
• Physician Quality Reporting Initiative, and 
• Recovery Audit Contractor Program.

For additional information please contact Nevena Minor, Manager of Legislative Affairs