JN Part A Provider Outreach and Education (POE) Advisory Group (AG) meeting minutes

Provider Outreach and Education (POE) Advisory Group (AG) meeting minutes

Jurisdiction N

Medicare Part A

March 10, 2026

Welcome and introductions

Janice Mumma, supervisor, welcomed the members, reviewed disclaimers, copyright, and highlighted acronyms. 
Janice reviewed the agenda that was sent ahead.
She introduced Education Specialist Ryan Whittier and Technical Writer Ann Haden. 
Janice reviewed the purpose of POE AG with an emphasis on committee guidelines and receiving provider feedback.

Prior quarter education activities

The prior quarter activities were reviewed with Attachment 1 provided. The attachment has the webinar titles, dates, and attendee counts from highest to lowest attended events.
Janice opened the floor for feedback, comments, or suggestions on the events listed or other events and / or any comments and suggestions. No comments were made.

CMS.gov

Janice reviewed CMS.gov, specifically: Medicare Learning Network and CMS Newsroom Press Release websites. These pages offer the latest information on what is happening in the Medicare world. Attendees are encouraged to review for the most up to date releases.

The MLN has been restructured, and Janice shared screens to review how to access Medicare Learning Network and CMS Newsroom. She pointed out the ease of use with a reminder about newsletters. 

CMS Newsroom

A favorite place to review latest and greatest news and information.

Current and upcoming items

2026 education strategy

Janice shared resources utilized to build the multi-faceted educational approach that includes subjects that are relevant and requested by providers.

First Coast offers a wide array of educational opportunities. The topics offered through live webinars are specialty specific and widespread, incorporating real-time Medicare requirements, processes, as well as instructions regarding how to prevent frequent and costly errors.

StayConnected and Medicare Navigator Series 

The StayConnected webinar workshop series consists of topically related events focused on outlining CMS requirements, including coverage, billing, etc. StayConnected topic focused workshop series will take place within a one-week period. 

The Medicare Navigator webinar workshop series consists of events focused on assisting providers navigate to, identify, perform, and submit necessary Medicare tasks. 

Janice shared that the team received feedback related to collecting badges being problematic when scheduling was spread out at once a month over the year. The action taken regarding that feedback is that the series will now occur within one month to allow focus and flexibility. Medicare Navigator Badges will continue, and Janice detailed options to receive badges for attendance. She described some of the subjects offered this year.

Upcoming events

The upcoming topics for 2026 were reviewed. Janice encouraged the audience to watch the events calendar for monthly updates. She reminded everyone that the events are free and there will be scheduling opportunities 60 days ahead.

On-Demand Learning

First Coast has a number of on-demand learning resources. These resources are intended for participation in Medicare education that is self-paced and scheduled with flexibility. First Coast is constantly adding new webinar recordings. 

Click and play videos and webinar recordings are updated monthly.

Social media 

Social media is part of the 2026 educational strategy. First Coast is active in social media platforms: LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe today and please promote these social media tools to colleagues. 

Provider Contact Center training closures and training topics

Janice reminded the audience that the Provider Contact Center (PCC) currently closes for training every Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. ET to provide education to representatives. 

Janice opened the floor for feedback on closure timing and/or topics related to educational needs or strategy. No comments were made.

2026 Medicare Participating Physicians/Suppliers Directory (MEDPARD)

Ryan introduced MEDPARD directory available on the First Coast website with a screen share instruction on how to access the look up tool.

Prior Authorization Code Lookup tool

Ryan discussed prior authorization or prepayment review as used under the WISeR model. He mentioned using the Prior Authorization Code Lookup tool to determine if a code is subject to any active prior authorization program in Medicare.

Comprehensive error rate testing (CERT)

CMS developed the CERT program to calculate the Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) program improper payment rate. 

Ryan spoke about resources to help providers navigate the CERT program: CERT Insider's Guide and CERT Fast Facts. The Insider's Guide is issued quarterly, and the Fast Facts is issued monthly. Ryan shared that First Coast uses CERT information to curate educational information to ensure our strategies are supporting providers success.

Both publications can be accessed from the CERT program on First Coast's website.

Journey to Local Coverage Determination (LCD)

Ryan reviewed how to find information on local and national coverage determinations. He iterated that local coverage determinations will never contradict national coverage determinations. He highlighted available guidance including search tools or targeted education and support.

SPOT

Ryan shared the benefits of using the First Coast secured provider online tool (SPOT) and highlighted support offered through chat and help desk.

Medicare updates 2026

Ryan detailed 2026 Medicare updates that became effective around or on January 1, 2026: 

• Medicare Deductible, Coinsurance, and Premium Rates for Calendar Year

• Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (I/OCE) Specifications to Version 27.0

• End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) & Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Dialysis updated policies, rates, and billing instructions

• Renal Dialysis Services furnished to individuals with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) revisions to allowable revenue codes

• Per-Beneficiary Threshold Amounts for physical therapy (PT), speech language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT) and medical review (MR) 

• Update to Therapy Code List

• Update to Quarterly Average Sales Price (ASP) Part B Drug pricing and revisions to prior pricing files

• Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) 3-day Skilled Nursing Facility changes to waiver

• Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR) national coverage update

• Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge for Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation (T-TEER) national coverage update

• Clotting Factor Furnishing Fee annual update

 

Ryan reviewed the MLN page. He shared changes to format and encouraged users to update saved bookmarks. 

Presentation slides are sent to all attendees containing details on each change reviewed at meeting.

Preventative Services: Keeping Patients Healthy

Ryan encouraged the attendees to share preventative education tools and reviewed features on the interactive preventive services tool. He referenced the ease of using SPOT in collaboration for preventative care.

Open Discussion

No questions were asked, and no comments came from audience.
Attendees will receive all slides reviewed at this meeting.

Janice announced the next meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2026, and November 10, 2026.

 

Please email Janice Mumma at Janice.mumma@novitas-solutions.com, if you have additional comments or suggestions.