The CMS regional will consult with stakeholders on the best way to communicate with physicians and other prescribers about how their opioid prescribing compares to peers. 

The target audience includes, but is not limited to, clinicians treating Medicare beneficiaries under new Part D regulations; State Medical Societies; and third-party payers.

CMS is seeking feedback to develop a methodology to establish outlier prescriber thresholds; the tone and content of the feedback report to clinicians; how to identify a “medical specialty” from the NPI framework; how to define geographic areas for the analysis; and recommendations on appropriate opioid prescribing guidelines.

The listening sessions are intended to fulfill the CMS “consultation with stakeholder” requirements in Section 6065 of the SUPPORT Act. Importantly, the sessions are critical to inform the methodology CMS will used to define “outlier prescribers.” Stakeholder feedback is also essential to help CMS craft notifications that will drive change in prescribing behavior without encouraging providers to inappropriately reduce or abandon opioid prescribing. CMS must be thoughtful and respectful about how we communicate with providers around opioids, and the input we get through these listening sessions will help guide our efforts. 

A list of questions will be provided to those who register, and dial in information will be shared in advance of the call to take place on 9/17 at 4pm. 

Please register using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cms-region-ii-prescriber-listening-session-opioids-tickets-71540679097