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99 -- DEVELOPMENT OF DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF COMPLEX OR SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEDICARE + CHOICE REGULATION POC Renee Wallace, Contract Specialist, (410) 786-5218 Health Care Financing Administration intends to award, on a sole source basis, under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, an award to National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine, Division of Health Care Services, 2101 Constitution Ave., NW, Suite FO3110, Washington, DC 20418 for development of definition of the concept of complex or serious medical conditions in accordance with the Medicare+Choice regulation. The contractor shall prepare a background paper, convene a panel of experts, and prepare a final report that provides a definition of this concept. The National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine consists of top experts in their respective fields who are elected into membership by existing members of the Academy. Studies conducted under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine are deemed to be very objective and of the highest standards of integrity. The Academy maintains rigorous standards to ensure objectivity and the highest quality in its work. The definition of complex or serious medical conditions, is a critical task to the agency and requires a great deal of expertise in determining the product. Due to the controversy within the health care industry and by consumer groups over the definition of this term, it is essential that this task to performed by an organization that is beyond reproach as to objectivity and quality of work. The National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine with its expertise in the medical profession is in the unique position to provide the objectivity and level of professionalism required to complete this critical task. All others who respond must be prepared to provide clear and convincing evidence that they have the same standards and status as the The National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine. The Government shall make the final determination of wheather the other offerors have the same standards and status equal to that of The National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine. See Note(s): 22. Posted 12/04/98 (I-SN277265). (0338)

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