CMS Appoints Lakshman Ramamurthy as Industry Representative to MEDCAC
Summary
Lakshman Ramamurthy, PhD, director of FDA & Regulatory Policy at Avalere Health, has been appointed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to serve as an industry representative to the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC).According to CMS, “The MEDCAC is used to supplement CMS’ internal expertise and to allow an unbiased and current deliberation of ‘state of the art’ technology and science. The MEDCAC reviews and evaluates medical literature, technology assessments, and examines data and information on the effectiveness and appropriateness of medical items and services that are covered under Medicare, or that may be eligible for coverage under Medicare.” The committee comprises up to 100 experts in varying fields of healthcare and asks up to 15 of those members to participate in any of the four to eight public forums held each year.
Ramamurthy will serve a 2-year term as an industry representative from June 2014 to June 2016.
“It is an honor for Lakshman to be a part of this important organization in times of so much change in Medicare and healthcare overall, said Dan Mendelson, CEO of Avalere. “ We at Avalere are very proud of his service and know he will play a critical role on MEDCAC.”