DME MAC A News for February 26, 2009 - Repair Labor Billing and Payment Policy

 

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

February 26, 2009

Repair Labor Billing and Payment Policy

Effective for dates of service on or after April 1, 2009, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) are instituting a billing and payment policy for common repairs based on standardized labor times. This applies to non-rented and out-of-warranty items. This effective date coincides with the effective date of the new code for repairs for non-oxygen equipment - K0739 (REPAIR OR NONROUTINE SERVICE FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN OXYGEN REQUIRING THE SKILL OF A TECHNICIAN, LABOR COMPONENT, PER 15 MINUTES). One unit of service = 15 minutes. Code E1340 is no longer valid for repairs for dates of service on or after April 1, 2009.

The following table contains repair units of service allowances for commonly repaired items. Units of service include basic troubleshooting and problem diagnosis. Suppliers are reminded that there is no Medicare payment for travel time or equipment pick-up and/or delivery.

Type of Equipment

Part Being Repaired/Replaced

Allowed Units of Service (UOS)

Power Wheelchair

Batteries (includes cleaning and testing)

2

Power Wheelchair

Joystick (includes programming)

2

Power Wheelchair

Charger

2

Power Wheelchair

Drive wheel motors (single/pair)

2/3

Power or Manual Wheelchair

Wheel/Tire (all types, per wheel)

1

Power or Manual Wheelchair

Armrest or armpad

1

Power Wheelchair

Shroud/cowling

2

Manual Wheelchair

Anti-tipping device

1

Hospital Bed

Pendant

2

Hospital Bed

Headboard/footboard

2

CPAP

Blower Assembly

2

Seat Lift

Hand Control

2

Seat Lift

Scissor mechanism

3

Patient Lift

Hydraulic Pump

2

Suppliers may only bill the allowable units of service listed in the above table for each repair, regardless of the actual repair time. Claims for repairs must include narrative information itemizing each repair and the time taken for each repair. Suppliers are also reminded that Medicare does not pay for repairs to capped rental items during the rental period or items under warranty.

 

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