Clarification in Order Requirements for DME Dispensing
In a MLN Matters article dated October 12, 2018, CMS announced a clarification in order requirements for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS).
Effective November 13, 2018, “when the prescribing practitioner is also the supplier and is permitted to furnish specific items of DMEPOS, a separate order is not required, but the medical record must still contain all of the required order elements.”
We interpret this to mean when you are the prescribing physician, and you supply the patient with the surgical dressing, the Detailed Written Order (aka Rx) requirement is no longer necessary to include in the patient’s records. All of the other documentation requirements remain the same and we always suggest you are compliant with the requirements laid out in the DME MAC LCD, “Surgical Dressings.”
How Does This Change Affect At-Home Delivery Services?
AMERX customers utilizing our Turn-Key DME® Patient Direct at home-delivery service, should scan and retain a copy of the AMERX-provided Patient Direct order form in the patient’s records following completion, which includes signatures by both the provider and the patient. This order form fulfills the Detailed Written Order (DWO) requirement for items dispensed through this program.
