When dispensing surgical dressings, it is important that the dressing size is selected appropriately based on the size of the ulcer being treated. The dressing should be large enough to cover the entire ulcer. However, you cannot expect reimbursement for a dressing when a smaller size is available that could have covered the same ulcer.
AMERX Health Care provides you with extensive resources that include everything you need for perfect documentation to ensure compliance when dispensing surgical dressings. The majority of this guidance comes from the DMEMAC Surgical Dressings LCD and the DMEMAC Surgical Dressing Policy Article. On December 3, 2019, the DMEMACs released some additional guidance in the form […]
In last month’s post, we provided the information needed to access the current durable medical equipment (DME) and / or prosthetics (DMEPOS) fee schedule. When opening the file for the current fee schedule, the HCPCS codes are listed from top to bottom in column A. The reimbursement dollar value is listed for each state from […]
In my previous blog, I discussed knowing your numbers to maintain a robust bottom line. Here are other practice management tips that can dramatically increase your bottom line. You must see patients. I am all for vacations and time off to recharge, but I find that some doctors take too many days off or reduce […]
Surgical dressings can be used for all types of qualifying ulcers. This includes arterial ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers. It is important to use the correct diagnosis codes for each of these ulcer types. Diabetic foot ulcer codes should start with L97-. Stasis ulcer codes begin with I83-. L89- codes are […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require that DME suppliers maintain proof that any item dispensed was received by the beneficiary in the form of a Proof of Delivery document. This document must be maintained for at least seven years. This could be requested by DMEMACs, recovery auditors, supplemental medical review contractors, or […]
If a patient has bilateral ulcers that both qualify for surgical dressings, you can supply dressings for both ulcers at the same encounter. When doing so, it is important to indicate that two ulcers are being treated by listing modifier “A2” in box 24d of the CMS-1500 form (Health Insurance Claim Form). Appropriate modifier use […]
Among the requirements that must be satisfied when dispensing surgical dressings and compression garments is a face-to-face (FTF) examination. This FTF exam must take place within six months of the time the order is written for the surgical dressing(s) or compression garment. It is acceptable if the FTF exam takes place on the same day […]
Compression is an essential component of both healing and preventing venous leg ulcers. Not only do compression garments, such as the EXTREMIT-EASE® Compression Garment, help to treat difficult lower leg ulcers, they can also be stocked in your office and dispensed to patients as a DME item, providing your patients with excellent care and providing […]
One of the most important steps to ensure clean billing of surgical dressings is the appropriate use of the A- modifier. The A- modifier must be used to indicate two things: Is the dressing billed for a primary or secondary dressing? How many wounds are being treated with the dispensed dressing? An important differentiation is […]