AAFP Applauds CMS Proposal to Cover Smoking Cessation Counseling

In a Jan. 18 letter to CMS, the Academy enthusiastically supported CMS' proposed coverage policy for smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling.

CMS said in a draft decision memo that evidence is adequate to conclude that smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling is reasonable and necessary for patients that fit certain criteria. Furthermore, CMS proposes an annual Medicare benefit of eight intermediate or intensive cessation strategy sessions in a 12-month period.

"It is a step in the right direction and consistent with AAFP policy that supports health plan coverage and appropriate reimbursement for evidence-based physician services for treatment of tobacco use, including nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral modification," AAFP Board Chair Michael Fleming, M.D., of Shreveport, La., wrote in the letter.

Fleming asked CMS to consider several questions before implementing the policy:

The letter is one of two signed by AAFP in support of Medicare reimbursement for smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling. On Jan. 21, the Academy joined 35 other organizations in a letter commenting on the proposal.

If you'd like to read the full text of the letter sent only by AAFP, go here and click on the Jan. 18 letter.