The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) have released a revised version of the Dear Physician letter that reminds prescribing physicians to provide thorough clinical documentation in the patient’s medical record to support the medical necessity of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) services they prescribe.
“DMEPOS suppliers are your partners in caring for your patient. They will not receive payment from Medicare for the items that are ordered if you do not provide information from your medical records when it is requested,” reads a section of the letter.
With the release of the revision, the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) reminded its members that while the February enactment of Section 50402 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 recognized the clinical notes of orthotists and prosthetists as part of the medical record, those notes cannot be used to determine medical necessity.
To read the Dear Physician letter, visit the CGS website.