Steve E. Phurrough, M.D., M.P.A.
Director of the Coverage and Analysis Group,
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Using evidence-based medicine principles, Dr. Phurrough assists in developing national policy on the appropriate devices, diagnostics and procedures that should be provided by the Medicare program. Dr. Phurrough joined CMS in 2001 as the Director of the Division of Medical and Surgical Services in the Coverage and Analysis Group after completing a career in the United States Army Medical Department. In addition to being a practicing Family Physician, his military career also included managing Department of Defense regional healthcare delivery systems, creating national and international healthcare policy for the Army, and developing practice guidelines.

Dr. Phurrough has been responsible for completing the new CMS concept of coverage with evidence development which allows coverage of innovative technologies sooner if the technology is provided in a research study. In addition, he has also led in the establishment of national registries in an attempt to verify outcomes of clinical trials in real-world settings. Dr. Phurrough received his MD from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is a Certified Physician Executive by the American College of Physician Executives.