CMS and the Magic 8-Ball

I’ve learned two truths in life. First, if you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait a minute. Second, if you don’t like the answer from CMS, hang up and call back.

It’s almost like the people on the front lines at CMS are issued Magic 8-balls instead of CMS compliance manuals. I understand healthcare law changes quickly, but isn’t that true for all areas of law? Of course, it may just be due to personnel resources. I can only imagine the sheer number of calls they receive each day. But wouldn’t it be more prudent to give healthcare practitioners no information and a referral to a healthcare lawyer as opposed to mixed-information?