Medicare program; solicitation of hospitals and medical centers to participate in a study of heart transplants: Health Care Financing Administration. Notice.

This notice invites hospitals and medical centers to participate in a study of heart transplants to be conducted by HCFA. The purpose of the study is to examine, in general, all aspects of heart transplants, including the scientific, social, economic, and ethical issues, and, in particular, the impact of a possible Medicare decision to pay for heart transplants on the Medicare program, Medicare beneficiaries, and providers of health care. The study will be done in two related parts--the selection and participation of hospitals and medical centers, to which this notice is addressed, and an analysis of pertinent data and issues, to be conducted by an independent contractor. Hospitals and medical centers selected to participate in this study, under this notice, may be reimbursed for a limited number of heart transplants performed for Medicare beneficiaries during the course of the study. In addition, these institutions will furnish data about heart transplants performed at their facilities and will be reimbursed for the costs of furnishing this information. This notice contains information about the study, the availability of funds, and the procedures by which interested institutions can communicate their willingness to participate in the study. This notice also contains the criteria for the selection of hospitals and medical centers for heart transplant funding.