Partin, Rhett
GHA Center for Rural HealthSupportTrade association
Summary: The Georgia Hospital Association Center for Rural Health supports the proposed rule, specifically the payment adjustments for low-volume hospitals. They argue that reducing the distance requirement to "15 road miles" will improve access to covered benefits for rural Medicare beneficiaries.
The Georgia Hospital Association Center for Rural Health Appreciates the opportunity to comment on CMS proposed rule 2010--176-0003.
We support the provision regarding payment adjustements for low-volume hospitals for FY'11 and FY'12. Reducing the distance requirement from the existing 25 miles to the proposed "15 road miles" from another hospital providing similar services will help ensure that rural Medicare beneficiaries receive the covered benefits by which they are entitled.