The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has appointed CHP/PCOR director Alan M. Garber as chair of the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee for a two-year term beginning later this spring. The committee helps CMS to determine whether the Medicare program should cover specific medical technologies and services, based on a careful review of current research and discussion of relevant clinical and scientific issues. It therefore plays an important role in helping to determine the kind of care that Medicare beneficiaries will receive.

According to the CMS, the committee "is used to supplement CMS' internal expertise and to ensure an unbiased and contemporary consideration of innovative technology and science. Its members are valued for their background, education and expertise in a wide variety of scientific, clinical and other fields."