117 STAT. 2320
PUBLIC LAW 108–173—DEC. 8, 2003 consider data submitted by ambulatory surgical centers regarding the matters described in clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph (2)(B). (2) REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS.— (A) REPORT.—Not later than January 1, 2005, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1). (B) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include recommendations on the following matters: (i) The appropriateness of using the groups of covered services and relative weights established under the outpatient prospective payment system as the basis of payment for ambulatory surgical centers. (ii) If the relative weights under such hospital outpatient prospective payment system are appropriate for such purpose— (I) whether the payment rates for ambulatory surgical centers should be based on a uniform percentage of the payment rates or weights under such outpatient system; or (II) whether the payment rates for ambulatory surgical centers should vary, or the weights should be revised, based on specific procedures or types of services (such as ophthalmology and pain management services). (iii) Whether a geographic adjustment should be used for payment of services furnished in ambulatory surgical centers, and if so, the labor and nonlabor shares of such payment.
Deadline.
SEC. 627. PAYMENT FOR CERTAIN SHOES AND INSERTS UNDER THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1833(o) (42 U.S.C. 1395l(o)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘no more than the limits established under paragraph (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘no more than the amount of payment applicable under paragraph (2)’’; and (2) in paragraph (2), to read as follows: ‘‘(2)(A) Except as provided by the Secretary under subparagraphs (B) and (C), the amount of payment under this paragraph for custom molded shoes, extra-depth shoes, and inserts shall be the amount determined for such items by the Secretary under section 1834(h). ‘‘(B) The Secretary may establish payment amounts for shoes and inserts that are lower than the amount established under section 1834(h) if the Secretary finds that shoes and inserts of an appropriate quality are readily available at or below the amount established under such section. ‘‘(C) In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, an individual entitled to benefits with respect to shoes described in section 1861(s)(12) may substitute modification of such shoes instead of obtaining one (or more, as specified by the Secretary) pair of inserts (other than the original pair of inserts with respect to such shoes). In such case, the Secretary shall substitute, for the payment amount established under section 1834(h), a payment
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