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CMS-1403-FC
we decided not to proceed with any of the alternatives we
presented. We explained in the CY 2008 final rule with
comment period (72 FR 66248) that we intended to conduct a
thorough analysis of potential approaches to reconfiguring
localities and would address this issue again in future
rulemaking. We also noted that some commenters wanted us
to consider a national reconfiguration of localities rather
than just making changes one State at a time.
b. Alternative Payment Locality Approaches
In the CY 2009 PFS proposed rule, we explained that as
a follow-up to the CY 2008 PFS final rule with comment
period, we contracted with Acumen, LLC to conduct a
preliminary study of several options for revising the
payment localities. To that end, we are currently
reviewing several alternative approaches for reconfiguring
payment localities on a nationwide basis. However, our
study of possible alternative payment locality
configurations is in the early stages of development. We
also stated that we are not making any changes to our
payment localities at this time. For a discussion of the
alternative payment locality configurations currently under
consideration, see the CY 2009 PFS proposed rule
(73 FR 38514).
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