During fiscal year 2001, a number of new requirements regarding LMRP/LCDs have been developed and issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These requirements are primarily found in the Medicare Program Integrity Manual (PIM), Chapter 1. Due to the new requirements, Highmark Medicare Services has carefully reviewed all existing policies. A number have been retired. These retired policies can be found in the LMRP/LCD area of the Highmark Medicare Services website, under Retired Policies. Some of these policies have been updated - if so, the retired policy has a link to the new policy. Some of the policies will not be replaced, as the data do not currently support a need for a LMRP/LCD. Some will be replaced with new, up-to-date policies if the data support the need for a LMRP/LCD.

As described in the PIM, Chapter 1, LMRP/LCDs are "administrative and educational tools to assist providers in submitting correct claims for payment". However, clinical items and services that are eligible for payment under the Medicare Program are reviewed by the contractor, Highmark Medicare Services, regardless of whether a National Coverage Determination or LMRP/LCD exists for that item or service. Eligible claims will continue to be reviewed as per the rules and regulations of the Medicare Program.