Transcript DME Treatment Protocol and Compliance
Diagnosis Specific DME Treatment Protocols and Charting Compliance
Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association May 11, 2012 Hal Ornstein, DPM, FASPS Chairman, American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management 22 years in Private Practice Howell, New Jersey
Reasons To Follow Treatment Protocols
Easy to follow Consistent with standards of care Medico-legal security Ease of inventorying Improved outcomes Improved patient satisfaction Patient convenience
***Fee Ceiling: as published for 2010 Note change of L Code...
explained on next slide
Recently, Medicare announced that the design of an L1906 device must "include a rigid stirrup and foot plate which provides functional tracking of the ankle with hind-foot and mid-foot stability during ambulation."
Effective for claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2012, the only products which may be billed to Medicare using code L1906 (ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS, MULTILIGAMENTUS ANKLE SUPPORT, PREFABRICATED, INCLUDES FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT) are those for which a written coding verification has been made by the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) contractor and that are listed in the Product Classification Matrix of the DME Coding System (DMECS). Products which have not received coding verification review from the PDAC must be billed with code A9270. Please refer to the advisory article titled Coding Guidelines for Ankle Foot Orthoses.
Products that are currently listed on DMECS with L1906 will be end dated effective March 31, 2012 and changed to A9270 until a coding verification review has been completed by the PDAC.
Thus, it is mandatory that manufacturers submit to PDAC devices for L1906 verification in order for them to qualify for reimbursement.
There are some multiligamentous type devices that have been recommended to be billed using L1906 code such as the Ossur Exoform and the GameDay that do not have a foot plate. As such, they would need to be billed as A9270. They might more appropriately meet the description of L1902.
In summary, some items currently filed as L1906 will need to be reclassified as L1902. All items that meet new definition of L1906 will need a verification letter starting April 1, 2012.
1906 vs. 1902
L1906 ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS, MULTILIGAMENTUS ANKLE SUPPORT, PREFABRICATED, INCLUDES FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT L1902 ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS, ANKLE GAUNTLET, PREFABRICATED, INCLUDES FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT Darco Body Armor Sport ~ Sweed-O White/Black Suggested Code: L1906 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $138.87
Ossur GameDay Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $90.11
Dear Ms. Williams: The Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) Contractor provides Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) assistance to manufacturers to ensure proper coding of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies. The PDAC has reviewed the above listed products. It is our determination that the Medicare HCPCS code to use when billing the four Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) is: L1906 ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS, MULTILIGAMENTUS ANKLE SUPPORT, PREFABRICATED, INCLUDE'S FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT
Commonly used AFO Categories/DME HCPCS Codes
L2999 Non covered L1902 AFO, Gauntlet style L1906 AFO, Multiligamentous L4386 AFO, Non-pneumatic walking L4396 AFO, Plantarfascia night splint L4360 AFO, Pneumatic below knee L1971 AFO, With ankle joint L4350 AFO, Ankle control orthotics L1932 AFO, Dynamic L1951 AFO, Spiral, plastic, other
When to use these L Codes… (basic coverage criteria)
"Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) described by codes L1900, L1902-L1990, L2106-L2116, L4350, L4360, L4386 and L4631 are covered for ambulatory patients with weakness or deformity of the foot and ankle, who require stabilization for medical reasons, and have the potential to benefit functionally".
Which diagnoses are covered for use of non-custom DME items (AFO's)?
There is no diagnoses list. Devices must meet "medical justification".
* exceptions are specific criteria for night splint (L4396) and no walking boot coverage for ulcers
Medical Justification for AFOs State Functional Benefits
Covered for ambulatory patients with weakness or deformity of the foot and ankle who require stabilization and have the potential to benefit functionally.
AFO must provide support and counterforce (i.e., a force in a defined direction of a magnitude at least as great as a rigid or semi-rigid support) on the limb or body part that it is being used to brace.
Chart Notes establish “Medical Justification” Justification for custom vs. non-custom
Ankle Sprain ~ Grade 1
Possible Diagnosis Codes:
845.02 Sprain and strain of ankle and foot, calcaneofibular 845.00 Sprain and strain of ankle and foot, unspecified site 729.5 Pain in limb 719.07 Unspecified disorder of ankle and foot
Ankle Sprain ~ Grade 1 Initial Visit
Ossur GameDay Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ankle Sprain ~ Grade 2 & 3
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 729.5 Ankle pain and support 719.07 Effusion of joint, ankle, foot 845.02 Sprain and strain of ankle and foot, calcaneofibular 845.01 Sprain and strain of ankle and foot, deltoid ligament 824.2 Ankle fracture, lateral malleolus only 824.6 Ankle fracture, trimalleolar
Ankle Sprain ~ Grades 2 & 3 Initial Visit
SafeStep DME Adjustable Low Top Walker Ossur Equalizer Premium Air Walker
All SafeStep DME Available with custom logo
SafeStep Adjustable Air Walker Ossur Rebound Air Walker Pneumatic Walker Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Ankle Sprain ~ Grade 2
&
3 Follow up visit, 2 - 6 weeks
Healing Well Delayed Healing Ossur GameDay Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ossur Exoform Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ossur Rebound Hinged Ankle DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $517.14
Ankle Instability
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 845.02 Sprain and strain of ankle and foot, calcaneofibular 845.00 Sprain and strain of ankle and foot, unspecified
Mild
A nkle Instability: Initial Visit
Moderate Ossur GameDay Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ossur Exoform Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ossur Rebound Hinged Ankle DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $517.14
Plantar Fasciitis
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 728.71 Plantar fascial fibromatosis
Plantar fasciitis: Initial Visit
Aircast Airheel Suggested Code: L2999 Patient Pays PowerStep Insert Suggested Code: L2999 Patient Pays
Plantar fasciitis: Subsequent Visit
SafeStep DME Dorsal Night Splint SafeStep DME PosteriorNight Splint Night Splint ~ Posterior or Dorsal Suggested Code: L4396 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $184.82
Darco Dorsal Night Splint
Plantar fasciitis: Subsequent Visit Severe SafeStep DME Low Top Air Walker Ossur Rebound Low Walker Pneumatic Walker Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 726.72 Tibialis tendonitis 905.8 Late effect of tendon injury, sprain, strain
Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis Mild Initial Visit
PowerStep Insert Suggested Code: L2999 Patient Pays Aircast Airlift PTTD Suggested Code: L4350 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $103.23
Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis Moderate : Initial Visit
Darco Vario Suggested Code: L1971 *can also include code L2275 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $517.14
Ossur Rebound Hinged Ankle Brace Suggested Code: L1971 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $517.14
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Severe, Initial Visit
Ossur Equalizer Premium Air Walker SafeStep DME Air Walker Pneumatic Walker Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Posterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture Stage 3
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 727.68 Rupture, tendon of foot and ankle, non-traumatic 728.4 Laxity of ligament 734 Flat foot, acquired
Posterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture, Stage 3: Initial Visit
SafeStep DME Air Walker Ossur Rebound Air Walker Pneumatic Walker Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Posterior Tibialis Strain Rupture, Stage 3: Subsequent Visit, if getting better Less Severe More Severe Aircast Airlift PTTD Suggested Code: L4350 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $103.23
Darco Vario Ossur Rebound Suggested Code: L1971 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $517.14
Posterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture ~ Stage 3: Subsequent Visit, if getting worse Arizona Standard AFO Suggested Codes: L1940, L2330, L2820 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $1099 AZ Split Upright or Richie AFO Suggested Codes: L1970, L2820 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $901
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 355.5 Tarsal tunnel syndrome 719.47 Pain in joint, ankle, foot
Mild Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Initial Visit Moderate Ossur GameDay Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ossur Exoform Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Ossur Rebound Hinged Ankle Brace Suggested Code: L1971 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $517.14
Severe Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Initial Visit
SafeStep DME Low Top Air Walker
All SafeStep DME Available with custom logo
Ossur Rebound Low Top Air Walker Pneumatic Walkers Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Severe Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Subsequent Visit
Ossur GameDay Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Aircast Airlift PTTD Suggested Code: L4350 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $103.23
Peroneal Tendonitis
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 726.79 Enthesopathy of ankle and tarsus
Peroneal Tendonitis Initial Visit
Mild to Moderate Ossur Game Day Suggested Code: L1902 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $92.19
Peroneal Tendonitis ~ Severe Initial Visit
SafeStep Low Top Air Walker Ossur Equalizer Premium Air Walker Aircast SP Walker Pneumatic Walkers Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Ossur Rebound Air Walker
Achilles Tendonitis Achilles Tendon Rupture
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 845.09 Achilles tendon strain, rupture 726.71 Achilles tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis ~ Achilles Tendon Tear Initial Visit SafeStep DME Air Walker Ossur Rebound Air Walker Pneumatic Walkers Suggested Code: L4360 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $319.75
Achillies Tendonitis with Plantar Flexion Contracture of the Ankle (718.47) Initial Visit Ossur Formfit Posterior Night Splint SafeStep DME Dorsal Night Splint Ossur Airform Dorsal Night Splint Night Splint ~ Posterior or Dorsal Suggested Code: L4396 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $184.82
Achillies Tendonitis with Plantar Flexion Contracture of the Ankle (718.47):
Prerequisite to qualify for Medicare billing: Requires dorsiflexion on passive range of motion testing of at least 10 degrees (i.e., a nonfixed contracture); and , Reasonable expectation of the ability to correct the contracture; and , Contracture is interfering or expected to interfere significantly with the beneficiary's functional abilities; and , Used as a component of a therapy program which includes active stretching of the involved muscles and/or tendons
Metatarsal Fracture
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 733.94 Stress fracture, unspecified 825.25 Fracture of the metatarsal bone
Metatarsal Fracture
:
Initial visit
SafeStep DME Non-Pnematic Low Top Walker Suggested Code: L4386 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $174.36
Darco Med-Surg Walker Suggested Code: L2999 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: Patient pays
Metatarsal Fracture
:
Follow up visit
PowerStep ProTech Prefabricated Orthotic Suggested Code: L2999 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: Patient pays
Flaccid Drop Foot
Possible Diagnosis Codes: 736.79 Acquired deformity of foot and ankle 438.20 Hemiplegia 719.97 Joint derangement, ankle and foot 356.1 Peroneal muscle atrophy, Charcot Marie Tooth disease 340 Multiple sclerosis 138 Poliomyelitis, late effects
Flaccid Drop Foot : Initial Visit
Euro International Peromax Suggested Code: L1951 DMEPOS Fee Ceiling: $926
Chart Documentation
Chart Documentation
Chart Documentation
Chart Documentation
Frequently asked questions and answers
What if patient doesn't come in to pick up custom device?
After several attempts made to contact person and to no avail... the COST of the custom device can be billed to Medicare/Insurance. Send original invoice and explanation of no show for custom device pickup.
What if person dies?
As in the previous situation; the COST of the custom device can be billed to Medicare/Insurance. Send original invoice and explanation of death of patient.
* Payment may reflect full ceiling fee, in that case, you are not obligated to refund Medicare. Keep full payment.
When can a person get another device?
Upon examination and documentation of change in status. Medical justification is established chart notes.
Disclaimer:
Suggested codes are based on publicly available information and are offered as a convenience to physicians. The authors make no claims, promises or guarantees as to the availability of reimbursement for any of the suggested products. It is within the sole discretion of physicians to determine the appropriate billing code for a product as well as whether the use of a product complies with medical necessity and other documentation requirements of the payor. Actual reimbursement may vary. Prices reflect 2012 HCPCS National Ceiling Fees.
***Not responsible for typographical errors.
866-712-7837 www.safestep.net