The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposes changes to the Oxygen National Coverage Determination (NCD) that will expand coverage and reduce DME provider burdens!
Expected NCD Changes
These modifications are from the comments from last year’s opening of the National Coverage Analysis (NCA) for Home Use of Oxygen Use to Treat Cluster Headaches.
The changes include, but aren’t limited to:
- Coverage for acute conditions
- Removal of oxygen CMN
- Removal of the trial of alternative therapies
Expected Outcome from the NCD Changes
These changes should help to expand the use of home-based oxygen and other policy recommendations. Thank you, AAHomecare, for advocating with CMS on these changes!
In CMS’ report about the changes to Section D1 of 1993 NCD 240.2 (Conditions for Which Oxygen May Be Covered), the new guidance “will reinforce that patients suffering from any medical condition, be it of respiratory or non-respiratory origin, may receive home oxygen and oxygen equipment for the duration of illness, be it short or long term, if this service is otherwise reasonable and necessary.”
To read the full report and all the details in the CMS’ “Proposed Decision Memo for Home Use of Oxygen and Home Oxygen Use to Treat Cluster Headaches (CAG-00296R2).”
CMS is Accepting Public Comments
Currently, CMS is accepting public comments on these changes until August 1, 2021. Click here to submit your comments on the NCD changes.
Stay Current on All Industry Updates
The Medbill team are industry-leading DME billers who constantly stay up to date on the DME and HME industry. Contact us to learn how we can help you stay current with your DME billing.