Mercy News Room
April 8, 2008
Mercy - North Iowa Physician Named to Federal Council
MASON CITY -- Janice Kirsch, M.D., Mercy Women’s Health Center, has been appointed to serve on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC).
The PPAC advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS on proposed changes in health care regulations. Council members listen to testimony and provide invaluable advice and input on how CMS rules and regulations affect today's practicing physician.
“Mercy, as an organization, and myself, really appreciate Dr. Kirsch’s active interest and participation in the advocacy process. It is reassuring to know that Iowa physicians and other health care providers will be represented on this council,” said Jim FitzPatrick, President/CEO, Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa.
The PPAC is composed of 15 members, 11 of which are MDs or DOs; remaining members may include dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors who must have submitted at least 250 claims for physicians' services in the previous year.
The Council meets quarterly and its members may serve a term of four consecutive years. Nominations for the Council must be submitted by medical organizations that represent physicians. Openings for membership on the Council are announced yearly in the Federal Register.