Freedom of Information (FOI)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides access to non-privileged records/documents maintained by Federal agencies, and those acting on behalf of Federal agencies, such as Medicare Part B carriers. This carrier's Freedom of Information Unit directly responds to certain requests for existing records/documents in the possession of the carrier. If the requester is seeking information or clarification, as opposed to documents, the request does not fall within the scope of the FOIA.

All FOIA requests must be in writing and signed by the requester. The FOIA Unit responds in writing, not by phone or fax. The FOIA is authorized by law to collect fees for responding to FOIA requests. FOIA requests processed by the carrier may involve a nominal fee.

The information most commonly requested by Medicare customers is the charge and reimbursement data on which Medicare Part B payments are based, and program materials and manuals pertinent to coverage issues. However, much of this information is currently available on the Internet. Some examples of frequently requested documents under FOIA are:

• Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database
• Fee Schedule Reimbursement for Clinical Social Workers and Clinical Psychologists
• Ambulatory Surgical Center information

The physician and ambulance fee schedules for Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota are available on the WPS Medicare Pricing and Fees page. Additional fee information is available on the CMS Website.

Depending on the state in which you reside or practice, submit your FOI requests, using the request form below, and the WPS Authorization Form, available by clicking here (pdf - 1 page; 22KB)to:

Freedom of Information Request Form

Page Last Updated: Tuesday, 15-Jul-2008 10:43:27 CDT