CMS launched the Council on Technology and Innovation which consists of senior level CMS leaders and experts on clinical, coverage and payment issues. The CMS Council is a new effort to provide the Agency with improved methods for developing practical information about the clinical benefits of new medical technologies resulting in faster and more efficient coverage and payment of these medical technologies. As directed in Section 942(a) of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, the CMS Council will address issues relating to the processes for Medicare coverage, coding, and payment for new technologies and the exchange of information on new technologies between the Agency and other entities charged with making similar considerations and decisions.