Medicare Bill includes a provision that would increase amount of professionals who can document face-to-face encounters for DME
August 12th, 2014 – Washington DC – AOPA is providing comment to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Brady, on several aspects of their draft bill, and AOPA’s comments will include a specific comment on the proposed draft bill’s Section 5 on the DME face-to-face requirements:
Section 5, which highlights expanded ways for DME providers to satisfy the face-to-face encounter requirements, seems to be the perfect spot to highlight the incorporation of the prosthetist’s notes provision from H.R. 5083, introduced last month by Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC). In earlier regs, the CMS Administrator has, at least for the present. excluded prosthetics and orthotics from the face-to-face requirement. Recognizing the unique role and contributions of certified prosthetists and orthotists in care of limb loss and patients with chronic limb impairment and similar bracing needs, it is appropriate to recognize the value of the prosthetist/orthotists’ notes and recommendations as part of the treatment team, working with the beneficiary’s physician and others for optimal patient care.