Under what condition does CMS have the authority to determine the reasonableness of treatment methods?

CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has the authority to determine the reasonableness of treatment methods primarily on a case-by-case basis. This means that for each individual patient and their specific circumstances, CMS assesses the medical necessity and appropriateness of the treatments administered. Each case can present different factors, such as patient history, condition severity, and treatment response, which necessitate a tailored evaluation rather than a blanket rule applicable to all patients.

Determining reasonableness in this manner ensures that decisions are made based on the unique information available for each case, allowing for flexibility and consideration of variations in medical situations. This approach helps to uphold quality care standards and ensures that the treatments align with individualized patient needs, ultimately supporting the principle of patient-centered care.

In contrast, the other options suggest more general or automated rules that do not take into account individual circumstances, which is not how CMS operates when it comes to evaluating treatment methods.