TrailBlazer has completed consolidation of local coverage determination (LCD) policies for the J4 Medicare region (Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas). According to the LCD, the draft policy is effective March 1, 2008. Download the entire draft policy by visiting: www.trailblazerhealth.com/Tools/Local%20Coverage%20Determinations/Default.aspx?id=3097&DomainID=4.

The LCDs are identical for all states in the jurisdiction, but will not be effective until each state’s cutover date. These will not apply to services rendered prior to the final J4 cutover dates approved by CMS. The cutover dates, unless modified by CMS, are March 21, 2008 – Colorado Part B; and June 13, 2008 – Colorado Part A; New Mexico Part A; Texas Part A and Part B.

Contact AASM Senior Health Policy and Government Affairs Analyst Ted Thurn at tthurn@aasm.org or (708) 492-0930 for more information.