BALTIMORE--CMS has begun an effort to show how the agency considers what new products and services to cover--and not to cover--under the Medicare benefit.

Last week, the agency released three guidance documents on ways to improve the Medicare National Coverage Determination process. The documents detail steps the agency takes in determining whether products or services are "reasonable and necessary for coverage as a Medicare benefit," CMS said in a statement. Among other specifics, the drafts explain factors the agency considers when deciding to open an NCD, when to commission external health technology assessments and when it refers issues to the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee, an independent panel of medical experts.

CMS is asking for comments on the drafts during a 60-day period that began March 9.

"This is the continuation of our ongoing efforts to make the Medicare coverage decision process more transparent, responsive and effective," said CMS Administrator Mark McClellan. "We want comments on these draft guidance documents to help us make sure that Medicare beneficiaries get prompt access to technologies that can improve their health, and that technology developers have a clear understanding of our coverage process."

The drafts can be accessed on the CMS Web site by clicking here.