Skip to main content

Claim rejected for DME length of Medical Necessity



DME is equipment that can withstand repeated use, is primarily used for a medical purpose, and is not generally used in the absence of illness or injury. Examples include hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen delivery systems. Medicare will cover medical supplies that are necessary for the effective use of DME, as well as surgical dressings, catheters, and ostomy bags. However, Medicare will only cover DME and supplies that have been ordered or prescribed by a physician. The order or prescription must be personally signed and dated by the patient's treating physician. 

DME suppliers that submit bills to Medicare are required to maintain the physician's original written order or prescription in their files. The order or prescription must include: 

o the beneficiary's name and full address;
o the physician's signature;
o the date the physician signed the prescription or order;
o a description of the items needed;
o the start date of the order (if appropriate); and
o the diagnosis (if required by Medicare program policies) and a realistic estimate of the total length of time the equipment will be needed (in months or years). 

For certain items or supplies, including supplies provided on a periodic basis and drugs, additional information may be required. For supplies provided on a periodic basis, appropriate information on the quantity used, the frequency of change, and the duration of need should be included. If drugs are included in the order, the dosage, frequency of administration, and, if applicable, the duration of infusion and concentration should be included. 

Medicare further requires claims for payment for certain kinds of DME to be accompanied by a CMN signed by a treating physician (unless the DME is prescribed as part of a plan of care for home health services). When a CMN is required, the provider or supplier must keep the CMN containing the treating physician's original signature and date on file.
Generally, a CMN has four sections:
  • Section A contains general information on the patient, supplier, and physician. Section A may be completed by the supplier.
  • Section B contains the medical necessity justification for DME. This cannot be filled out by the supplier. Section B must be completed by the physician, a non-physician clinician involved in the care of the patient, or a physician employee. If the physician did not personally complete section B, the name of the person who did complete section B and his or her title and employer must be specified.
  • Section C contains a description of the equipment and its cost. Section C is completed by the supplier.
  • Section D is the treating physician's attestation and signature, which certifies that the physician has reviewed sections A, B, and C of the CMN and that the information in section B is true, accurate, and complete. Section D must be signed by the treating physician.Signature stamps and date stamps are not acceptable.
By signing the CMN, the physician represents that:
o he or she is the patient's treating physician and the information regarding the physician's address and unique physician identification number (UPIN) is correct;
o the entire CMN, including the sections filled out by the supplier, was completed prior to the physician's signature; and
o the information in section B relating to medical necessity is true, accurate, and complete to the best of the physician's knowledge.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is QMB / MQMB stands for?

In Medical billing or Healthcare industry The term QMB stands for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary & MQMB stands for Medicare Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. The term "QMB" or "MQMB" on the form indicates the client is a Qualified Medicare  Beneficiary (QMB) or a Medicaid Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (MQMB). The Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 requires Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance payments to be paid for individuals who meet the following criteria:  Important: Clients limited to QMB are not eligible for THSteps or THSteps-CCP Medicaid benefits.  Note: Clients eligible for STAR+PLUS who have Medicare and Medicaid are MQMBs. Medicaid reimburses for the coinsurance and deductibles as well as Medicaid-only services for the MQMB client. QMBs do not receive Medicaid benefits other than Medicare deductible and coinsurance liabilities. MQMBs do qualify for Medicaid benefits not covered by Medicare in addition ...
7 comments
Read more

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Successful Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in Healthcare Organizations

 Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is an essential process for healthcare organizations to ensure that they receive timely and accurate payments for the services they provide. Here are some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) metrics that healthcare organizations should track as part of their RCM process: Gross Collection Rate (GCR): This metric measures the percentage of charges that a healthcare organization collects from patients and insurance companies. It is calculated by dividing the total payments received by the total charges billed. Net Collection Rate (NCR): The NCR measures the percentage of expected payments received by the healthcare organization after accounting for contractual adjustments, bad debts, and other adjustments. It is calculated by dividing the total payments received by the total expected payments. Days in Accounts Receivable (DAR): This metric measures the average number of days it takes fo...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is W-9 form? Why it is required for Medical Billing.

W-9 Form W-9 is Internal Revenue Services (IRS) request for Tax Payers identification number, mainly its used for third parties to collect ID information like Name, Address to help file information returns with IRS. Also its is used to help payee avoid backup withholding. It is required for your name, Address and SSN number or employer identification number. When your giving out W-9 form be caution, because W-9 form contains sensitive information’s. Why Insurance Company ask W-9 Form from hospital or clinic etc., Because medical billing is cycle indirectly or directly insurance company’s are working for hospital or clinic etc., for them we need to report SSN number / business tax id. As far as       W-9 is form is concern it is straight forward with the all the above mentioned information, also they need to pay to address, or to update their records, or to check / update records. Note: W-4 Form is used by employer ...
9 comments
Read more