CMS In Brief

Coverage with evidence for stem cell transplants?: CMS proposes May 6 to allow coverage with evidence development for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome, a group of diverse blood disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy, functioning blood cells (1"The Gray Sheet" Nov. 30, 2009). The proposed coverage memo outlines criteria for prospective controlled clinical studies, including the need to address specified treatment outcomes and to adhere to strict standards of scientific integrity. CMS is taking comments through June 5 and plans a final rule by Aug. 4