Training

Provider Outreach and Education Advisory Group (POE AG)

WPS Medicare must maintain a Provider Outreach and Education Advisory Group (POE AG) as directed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Starting Fiscal Year 2012, we are combining the four existing POE AGs (Northeast, Southeast, Central and West) into one POE AG which will encompass all Legacy Part A providers.

What is the POE Advisory Group (POE AG) and how does it benefit me?

The POE Advisory Group (POE AG) is a professionally and geographically diverse group of providers (representing state and local trade and professional organizations, practicing providers or staff members, and representatives of billing organizations) who meet 3 times per year to advise WPS Medicare in the creation, implementation, and review of provider training efforts and strategies. This includes making recommendations concerning training topics, training materials, dates and locations of seminars and events, salient issues, and effective means of disseminating information to providers.

Who can belong to these groups?

WPS Medicare is responsible for recruiting potential members. Members should include representatives of various provider specialties including state and local trade and professional associations, practicing providers or staff members and representatives of billing organizations.

When and where are the meetings held?

The POE AG convenes three times per year and can be held in-person or via teleconferencing. CMS recommends that contractors hold at least one meeting per calendar year with group members in person. Teleconferencing will be made available to Advisory Group members who cannot be present for in-person meetings. The members of the group drive the locations of the meetings.

If I am not part of one of these groups, how can I learn more about what is going on during these meetings?

WPS Medicare is responsible for arranging all meetings, handling meeting logistics, producing and distributing an agenda, completing and distributing minutes, and keeping adequate records of the POE AG's proceedings. The minutes will be made available on our website and will include a list of organizations or entities comprising the POE Advisory Group. Please feel free to contact any Outreach Analyst if you have any questions or would like to participate.

Upcoming Fiscal Year 2012 POE Advisory Group Meeting Schedule

January 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
May 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time
September 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time