FWD: RSDHope-Medicare changed regulations for power wheel chairs and scooters

RSD In the News : FWD: RSDHope-Medicare changed regulations for power wheel chairs and scooters
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From: byrd45 (Original Message) Sent: 8/28/2005 9:44 AM
August 26th, 2005

Medicare News
For Immediate Release: Contact:
Wednesday, August 24, 2005 CMS Office of Public Affairs
202-690-6145

For questions about Medicare please call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov

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CMS ISSUES UPDATED REGULATIONS FOR POWER WHEELCHAIR

AND POWER OPERATED VEHICLE CLAIMS CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL NECESSITY NO LONGER REQUIRED

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today took another step to streamline and ensure appropriate access for people with Medicare to power operated vehicles - commonly called "scooters" and power wheelchairs. In an interim final rule with opportunity to comment that went on display today at the Federal Register, CMS clarified the requirements for prescribing, supplying, and receiving payment for these vehicles. The interim final rule builds on current clinical standards of care.

"This interim final rule is a critical step in ensuring that people with Medicare have access to appropriate technology to assist them with mobility," said CMS Administrator Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. "Along with Medicare's decision earlier this year to replace the old 'bed or chair confined' standard with new functional criteria for eligibility, this interim final rule is part of a comprehensive strategy to help Medicare beneficiaries get the mobility assistance equipment they need while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens and inappropriate Medicare spending. An appropriate professional evaluation and its documentation in the patient's record are the key to the effective use of mobility devices and the quality and continuity of care for our beneficiaries."

CMS is eliminating the requirement that a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) signed by the prescribing physician or other treating practitioner accompany claims for power wheelchairs and scooters. In place of the CMN, the interim final rule describes the clinical documentation from a patient's medical record that must be submitted along with a written prescription to the supplier before the supplier delivers a power wheelchair or scooter to the beneficiary.

"Documentation in the medical record of the beneficiary's need for assistance with mobility in the home, as well as the type of technology needed, not only is the best evidence of medical necessity - it also helps to promote continuity of care for our beneficiaries," said CMS Acting Chief Medical Officer, Barry Straube, M.D. "And we are recognizing this in our payments to providers."

Medicare already pays under the Physician Fee Schedule for the office visit required to evaluate the beneficiary......


To read the rest of this Press release, simply visit the following webpage;

http://www.rsdhope.org/Showpage.asp?PAGE_ID=33&PGCT_ID=3206