Daily CMS NEWS: March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Palmetto GBA E-mail Update

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CMS Announces the use of the Revised CMS-855S Enrollment Application for

DMEPOS Suppliers

http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~National%20Supplier%20Clearinghouse~Articles~CMS%20Announces%20the%20use%20of%20the%20Revised%20CMS-855S%20Enrollment%20Application%20for%20DMEPOS%20Suppliers?opendocument

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Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced

the use of the revised CMS-855S enrollment application to be used by DMEPOS

suppliers for intial enrollment, reactivations, reenrollments and to report

changes of information. In accordance with CMS instruction, the NSC shall

no longer accept initial submissions of the 855-S form received after June

1, 2009.

Applies to:

National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC)//General - NSC

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Palmetto GBA sent this e-mail to you because your Member Profile indicates

that you want to receive information from us for these listserv(s):

DMERC Region C//Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

DMERC Region C//FAQs

DMERC Region C//General - DMEPOS

DMERC Region C//Home Care Equipment Supplies

DMERC Region C//Orthotics and Prosthetics

DMERC Region C//Oxygen

DMERC Region C//Pharmacies

DMERC Region C//Power Mobility

DMERC Region C//Respiratory

General//Statistical Analysis DME (SADMERC)

General//Vendors Clearinghouses and Billing Services

General//Web Site Announcements

National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC)//General - NSC

Jurisdiction C EDI//JCEDI

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ICD-10-CM/PCS Conference Call Transcripts: ICD-10-CM/PCS Conference Call Transcripts The audio transcripts of the ICD-10-CM/PCS Conference Calls that were sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2008 for Hospital Staff (October 14), Other Part A and Part B Providers (November 12), and Physicians (November 17) are now available and can be accessed in the Downloads Section at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.

Affordable Health Care for Kids: Moving Forward without Delay: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will present an interactive Webcast on Friday, April 3, 2009 from 2pm – 3pm ET. Share your experiences and ideas about how we can help millions of uninsured children get the health coverage they need...without delay. Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9640.html

CERT Webinars: Would you like to avoid an overpayment request, improve your ability to respond to potential audits, and lessen the chances of additional audits? If you answered "Yes!" to these questions then we have the Webinar for you! The Jurisdiction C DME MAC Provider Outreach and Education team is pleased to offer a CERT Webinar covering CERT audits and how to survive them. Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9602.html

Attention Wheelchair and Power Mobility Suppliers - Wheelchair Education Week is approaching!

Your time is more valuable than ever. Fitting extra activities into your day can sometimes be challenging, and planning future educational activities can be difficult. Your Jurisdiction C Provider Outreach and Education team has designed an entire week of Webinars just for you! Our flexible education plan includes an entire week of manual and power wheelchair Webinars ranging from basic billing education to addressing accessories and policy requirements.

We know Medicare coverage of mobility claims can be confusing. We can help! This full week of wheelchair Webinars will guide you through the policies and documentation requirements for this type of equipment and we will provide ample time to answer your questions. Our consolidated week of Wheelchair education provides you with scheduling flexibility and an opportunity to learn more about billing for Wheelchairs and Power Mobility.

Join us for Wheelchair Week April 13th through April 17th ! Register today!

Lines are limited to 100 per educational session. If you have several in your office who would like to participate in our Wheelchair Education Week, we encourage you to use a conference phone and to register as a single user so other lines remain available.
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9607.html

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NAS DME Additional Update

NAS DME Jurisdiction D E-mail List

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General Updates

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DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation - Revised

CMS has corrected two of the web links in MLN Matters Special Edition 0903 on the topic of DMEPOS supplier accreditation. Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/docs/2009/03_mar/se0903r.pdf

New CWF MSP Type for Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-aside Arrangements to Stop Conditional Payments - Revised

This article was revised on March 20, 2009, to reflect a revised transmittal related to CR 5371. The CR was changed to clarify some of the requirements. The CR release date, transmittal numbers and the Web address for accessing that transmittal were changed. All other information remains the same. Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/docs/2009/03_mar/mm5371.pdf

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CMN and DIF Appeals Cost $1.4 million.

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Tips to Reduce Denials Read More: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/docs/2008/10-oct/cmn_dif_denials_cost_suppliers.html

Supplier Manual Chapter 4; CMN and DIF Forms Read More: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/manual/chapter4.html

What's New

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View a complete listing of the most recent web site updates: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/updates.html

Supplier Contact Center Closures

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April 10, 2009, in observance of the Good Friday holiday

April 17, 2009, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT for CMS-approved training (Contact Center only)

Electronic Billing Questions?

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See the CEDI, National Government Services, Web site at http://www.ngscedi.com/ for resources, FAQs, manuals, and more!

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901 40th Street South, Suite 1, Fargo ND 58103-2146

Phone 1-866-243-7272

DME MAC Jurisdiction D States: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, American Samoa, Guam, N. Mariana Islands

www.noridianmedicare.com

ICD-10-Clinical Modifications (CM)/Procedure Coding System (PCS) Conference Call Transcripts

The audio transcripts of the ICD-10-CM/PCS Conference Calls that were sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2008 for Hospital Staff (October 14), Other Part A and Part B Providers (November 12), and Physicians (November 17) are now available and can be accessed in the Downloads Section at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp .

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It's Not Too Late to Give and Get the Flu Shot!

In the US, the peak of flu season typically occurs anywhere from late December through March; however, flu season can last as late as May. Each office visit presents an opportunity for you to talk with your patients about the importance of getting an annual flu shot and a one time pneumococcal vaccination. Protect yourself, your patients, and your family and friends by getting and giving the flu shot. Don't Get the Flu. Don't Give the Flu.

Remember - Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations plus their administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are NOT Part D covered drugs.

Health care professionals and their staff can learn more about Medicare's Part B coverage of adult immunizations and related provider education resources, by reviewing Special Edition MLN Matters article SE0838 http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0838.pdf on the CMS website.

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If you received this message as part of the All FFS Providers listserv, you are currently subscribed to one of eighteen Medicare Fee-For-Service provider listservs. If you would like to be removed from all NIH listservs, please go to (https://list.nih.gov/LISTSERV_WEB/signoff.htm) to unsubscribe. If you would like to unsubscribe from a specific provider listserv, please go to (https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/show_list_archives) to unsubscribe or to leave the appropriate listserv. Please DO NOT respond to this email. This email is a service of CMS and routed through an electronic mail server to communicate Medicare policy and operational changes and/or updates. Responses to this email are not routed to CMS personnel. Inquiries may be sent by going to (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ContactCMS). Thank you.

NAS DME Update

NAS DME Jurisdiction D E-mail List

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Subscribed Interests

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General Announcements

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Contact Center Staff Limited - Tuesday, March 31

Due to the continuing flood flight in Fargo, ND and the blizzard currently hitting Eastern North Dakota, the DME MAC Jurisdiction D Supplier Contact Center in Fargo will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. We have physically moved staff to another city to be able to continue business operations. The Supplier Contact Center phone lines will be open from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm CST on Tuesday, but with limited staff. 

Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/lsredir.php?id=EkFluVEApAeyjfDvxY&tmpl=dme_viewnews&style=part_ab_viewnews

Monday, March 30, 2009

Jurisdiction B News: Affordable Health Care for Kids: Moving Forward

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services presents an interactive Webcast Affordable Health Care for Kids: Moving Forward without Delay (200903-35) Friday, April 3, 2009 2pm - 3pm ET Share your experiences and ideas about how we can help millions of uninsured children get the health coverage they need...without delay. Special Guests:Rima Cohen, Counselor to the Secretary for Health Policy, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)Jackie Garner, Acting Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Connect online at http://www.hhs.gov/childrenshealthinsurance Questions and comments for the panel will be accepted in advance of and during the Webcast. To submit a question or comment, go to http://www.hhs.gov/childrenshealthinsurance/questions

Remember! National Government Services' Jurisdiction B DME MAC List Serve is for out going messages only. Please do not respond back to messages as your response will not be answered, as this is not an authorized mode of communication at this time, Thank you!

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Jurisdiction B News: Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes Lunch and Learn

The Jurisdiction B Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) Provider Outreach and Clinical Education Department is offering a variety of free one hour teleconferences that will provide an overview of a specific DME medical policy. These one hour teleconferences will be held during lunch. Once the presenter has completed their presentation, ample time is allowed for the attendees to ask questions or provide comments. The April "Lunch and Learn" teleconference held by the Provider Outreach and Clinical Education Department will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2009 from 11:00 am -12:30 pm (ET). The topic for this "Lunch and Learn" teleconference is regarding the Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes Local Coverage Determination policy. All suppliers are encouraged to participate in this free "Lunch and Learn" teleconference. To sign up for this educational opportunity click on the link below:http://www.ngsmedicare.com/NGSMedicare/ADC/EventList.aspx?fromdate=4/1/2009&todate=4/30/2009&display=Month&type=public&eventidn=437&view=EventDetails&information_id=593 Note: Once you have completed your registration, please make sure to print the Pre/post test, Attendance sheet, Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes power point, and evaluation for each of your attending associates prior to the call.

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NAS DME Additional Update

NAS DME Jurisdiction D E-mail List

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General Updates

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DME Jurisdiction D Contact Center Update Due to Flood

NAS anticipates high call volumes today due to the flood-related Fargo, ND office closures Wednesday afternoon through Friday March 27, 2009. To assist as many suppliers as possible, the contact center will limit inquiries to one-per-call. Suppliers are strongly encouraged to use the Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) system at 1-877-320-0390 for your inquiries. The IVR accepts voice and touch-pad commands. The information available through the IVR includes:

a. Eligibility: effective dates, deductible, HMO information, deceased information based on anticipated date of service

b. Same or Similar: HCPCS code and modifier, initial date on file, recertification date, last date billed, billing supplier name and phone number

c. Claim Status: including allowed, paid, denied amounts and reason for the denial, the check number, and date of payment/denial

d. Checks: issue date, amount, check number

e. CMN Status: initial date of CMN, recertification date, length of need

f. Pricing: fee schedule allowed amount per quarter requested

g. Payment Floor: Number of pending claims and associated dollar amount, total number of claims on the payment floor and associated total dollar amount

The www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/ website offers a variety of forms, links to local coverage determinations and related policy articles, fee schedules, and contact information.

We truly appreciate the support received from our supplier community during this stressful period.

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CMN and DIF Appeals Cost $1.4 million.

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Tips to Reduce Denials Read More: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/docs/2008/10-oct/cmn_dif_denials_cost_suppliers.html

Supplier Manual Chapter 4; CMN and DIF Forms Read More: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/manual/chapter4.html

What's New

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View a complete listing of the most recent web site updates: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/news/updates.html

Supplier Contact Center Closures

--------------------------------

April 10, 2009, in observance of the Good Friday holiday

April 17, 2009, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT for CMS-approved training (Contact Center only)

Electronic Billing Questions?

-----------------------------

See the CEDI, National Government Services, Web site at http://www.ngscedi.com/ for resources, FAQs, manuals, and more!

To edit your e-mail preferences or unsubscribe, go to

https://naslists.noridian.com/list/login.html?mContainer=2&mOwner=G30392x2n39372t36&mAddress=SUPPORT%40DMEFREE.COM

To view the NoridianMedicare.com Privacy Policy, go to

https://www.noridianmedicare.com/privacy.html

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901 40th Street South, Suite 1, Fargo ND 58103-2146

Phone 1-866-243-7272

DME MAC Jurisdiction D States: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, American Samoa, Guam, N. Mariana Islands

www.noridianmedicare.com

Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation

MLN Matters Number: SE0903 RevisedRelated Changed Request (CR) #: N/ARelated CR Release Date: N/AEffective Date: N/ARelated CR Transmittal #: N/AImplementation Date: N/A Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Accreditation To view this MLN Matters article, you may click on the link below or paste the following into your Internet browser:http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0903.pdf This article will also be available on the National Government Services Web site within two business days. http://www.NGSMedicare.com

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Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation

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Jurisdiction B News: New Common Working File MSP Type for Workers' Compensation

MLN Matters Number: MM5371 RevisedRelated Changed Request (CR) #: 5371 Related CR Release Date: March 20, 2009Effective Date: July 1, 2009 Related CR Transmittal #: R1703CP, 65MSPImplementation Date: July 6, 2009 New Common Working File (CWF) Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Type for Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-aside Arrangements (WCMSAs), to Stop Conditional Payments To view this MLN Matters article, you may click on the link below or paste the following into your Internet browser:http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5371.pdf This article will also be available on the National Government Services Web site within two business days. http://www.NGSMedicare.com

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Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation – Time is Running Out

DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation - Time is Running OutDeadline is September 30, 2009 Time is running out for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) who bill Medicare under Part B to obtain accreditation by the September 30, 2009 deadline or risk having their Medicare Part B billing privileges revoked on October 1, 2009. A new MLN Matters Special Edition article on this subject is now available. This article outlines what you need to do if you have not yet complied with the Medicare Program's supplier and quality standards to become accredited. To view the article on the CMS website, go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0903.pdf. While the accreditation process takes on average 6-7 months to complete, the process could take as long as 9 months to complete. Accordingly, DMEPOS suppliers should contact an accreditation organization right away to obtain information about the accreditation process and submit an application. In order to retain or obtain a Medicare Part B billing number, all DMEPOS suppliers (except for exempted professionals and other persons as specified by the Secretary) must comply with the Medicare program's supplier standards and quality standards to become accredited. The accreditation requirement applies to suppliers of durable medical equipment, medical supplies, home dialysis supplies and equipment, therapeutic shoes, parenteral/enteral nutrition, transfusion medicine and prosthetic devices, and prosthetics and orthotics. Pharmacies, pedorthists, mastectomy fitters, orthopedic fitters/technicians and athletic trainers must also meetthe September 30, 2009 deadline for DMEPOS accreditation. Certain eligible professionals and other persons as specified by the Secretary are exempt from the accreditation requirement. Further information on the DMEPOS accreditation requirements along with a list of the accreditation organizations and those professionals and other persons exempted from accreditation may be found at the CMS website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/03_DeemedAccreditationOrganizations.asp.

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Jurisdiction B News: Make Your Voice Heard by Participating in the MCPSS

Make Your Voice Heard by Participating in theMedicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began distributing its annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS) to a new sample of Medicare providers. The survey is designed to garner quantifiable data on provider satisfaction levels with key services provided by the Medicare fee-for-service contractors (FFS) who process and pay more than Medicare claims each year. Providers selected to participate in the survey are being contacted by the survey contractor, Westat. The survey is designed so that it can be completed in about 15 minutes and providers can submit their responses via a secure Web site, mail, fax, or over the telephone. CMS is encouraging that if your organization was one of the selected sampled providers, please take the time to complete the survey or respond to Westat's follow-up calls if you have not already done so. Your input is extremely important and the results of the study will help us improve the services we provide you and be used by CMS as an additional measure to evaluate performance of Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and support process improvement efforts. The views of every provider asked to participate are important to the success of this survey, as each one represents many other organizations that are similar in size, practice type and geographical location. Westat will contact non-respondents by telephone in the coming weeks to encourage their participation. Data Collection ends in April. MCPSS results will be available to contractors and the public in July 2009. Additional information about the MCPSS is available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MCPSS/.

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Friday, March 27, 2009

DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

Beneficiary Request for Refill of Supplies, Accessories, and Drugs
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9623.html

Issued on behalf of CEDI: Registering new PTAN/NSC numbers: If you are a DME Supplier who has received a NEW PTAN/NSC Supplier number, you must notify CEDI Enrollment of the new PTAN/NSC number and its associated NPI. The new PTAN/NSC number must also be linked to the NPI in NPPES.http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9627.html"> Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9627.html

Additional LCD and Policy Article Revisions Summary for March 26, 2009
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9622.html

Refractive Lenses Webinars: Are you a supplier of Refractive Lenses, have you ever been denied for Refractive Lenses for lack of documentation? If so, please join the Jurisdiction C DME MAC Provider Outreach and Education team for any of the scheduled Refractive Lenses Webinars/Teleconferences.

Topics covered during the webinars include:

Coverage Requirements
Documentation Requirements
Billing Reminders
Comprehensive Error Rate Testing
Jurisdiction C Resources

http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9594.html">Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9594.html

Interruption in IVR and CSR Availability (April 3, 2009): On Friday, April 3, 2009 at 5:00 pm CST, the DME MAC Jurisdiction C claims processing system will be taken offline for routine maintenance. At that time, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) will lose the ability to assist you with specific claim issues. If you need to call Customer Service on April 3 regarding a specific claim issue, we recommend calling prior to 4:45 pm.http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9621.html"> Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0309/cope9621.html

Revised: New Common Working File (CWF) Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Type for Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-aside Arrangements (WCMSAs), to Stop Conditional Payments
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5371.pdf

Revised: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Accreditation
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0903.pdf

Thank you for visiting www.cignagovernmentservices.com!

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DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

DME MAC Jurisdiction C NewsAttention - Time is running out to register for the Medicare Survival Guide workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas!

The last day to register for this workshop: Sunday, March 29, 2009.

We recognize that it may be more difficult for some of you to attend workshops this year. If you are located in Arkansas or surrounding areas, and would benefit from detailed Medicare education on a variety of topics, we encourage you to plan to attend this workshop.

Each of the Medicare Survival Guide workshops is an informative and entertaining workshop designed to assist suppliers with navigating through the changing Medicare world! Here are just a few of the things people are saying about the Medicare Survival Guide workshop series.

"This was very informative and worth the drive! Thanks!" - Ft Lauderdale - 01/28/09
"Great presentations!" - Ft Lauderdale - 01/28/09
"Excellent presenters/teachers, kept the group focused and engaged." San Antonio - 02/19/09
"Very well done!" - Savannah - 02/05/09
"Thank you for the information on oxygen, I needed it." - Savannah - 02/05/09

Medicare Survival Guide topics include:

Medicare Updates
During this informative opening session, we will discuss to the importance of Medicare policies and procedures and show you what you need to know to bill appropriately. Included in this session is an up to the minute overview of the recent oxygen changes and how they impact you. We will also provide ample time to respond to your questions.
Documentation/Intake Process
Proper documentation and intake procedures improve your ability to submit claims for a variety of items and services. Established documentation procedures also help you when responding to an audit. During this session, we will review orders and Certificates of Medical Necessity, to provide you with a better understanding of how to bill Medicare. In addition, we will also review intake processes, the new Advance Beneficiary Notice form, and the importance of proof of delivery when submitting your claims.
CERT Reduction Plans: What You Need to Know to Decrease Errors
This session provides you with important information on the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program and the role you play in reducing claim errors. We will demonstrate what CERT auditors look for and provide you with important tips to prepare for and respond to CERT audits.
Top Denials and Inquiries
Claim denials can be confusing - especially when you are confident you billed a claim correctly. We help show you why some claims deny and offer education to help you reduce common claim denials. We will examine the top claim denials and how to avoid them.

Please join us in Little Rock for the Medicare Survival Guide workshops!

http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/medicare_dynamic/wrkshp/nc/102/form.asp?selection=04_01_09_littlerock

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DME MAC A News for March 27, 2009 - Weekly Updates

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2009

Weekly What's New

The following publications have been posted to the DME MAC A What's New page:The article Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Accreditation (SE0903) has been revised.

The article New Common Working File (CWF) Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Type for Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-aside Arrangements (WCMSAs), to Stop Conditional Payments (MM5371) has been revised.

DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation - Time is Running Out - Deadline is September 30, 2009

The NSC March 2009 Newsletter Now Available - The DME MAC Jurisdiction A would like to inform suppliers that the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) has published the March 2009 issue of the NSC Newsletter. This issue features updated accreditation information as well as surety bond requirements for DMEPOS suppliers. You may view this specific issue and other issues by accessing the NSC Web site

Meeting Minutes for the February 2009 Provider Outreach & Education Advisory Group Meeting are now available

DME MAC A Supplier Manual - All Chapters have been reviewed and updated.
For more information visit:

http://www.medicarenhic.com/dme/dme_whats_new.shtml

DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation - Time is Running Out - Deadline is September 30, 2009Time is running out for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) who bill Medicare under Part B to obtain accreditation by the September 30, 2009 deadline or risk having their Medicare Part B billing privileges revoked on October 1, 2009. A new MLN Matters Special Edition article on this subject is now available. This article outlines what you need to do if you have not yet complied with the Medicare Program's supplier and quality standards to become accredited. To view the article on the CMS website, go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0903.pdfWhile the accreditation process takes on average 6-7 months to complete, the process could take as long as 9 months to complete. Accordingly, DMEPOS suppliers should contact an accreditation organization right away to obtain information about the accreditation process and submit an application.In order to retain or obtain a Medicare Part B billing number, all DMEPOS suppliers (except for exempted professionals and other persons as specified by the Secretary) must comply with the Medicare program's supplier standards and quality standards to become accredited. The accreditation requirement applies to suppliers of durable medical equipment, medical supplies, home dialysis supplies and equipment, therapeutic shoes, parenteral/enteral nutrition, transfusion medicine and prosthetic devices, and prosthetics and orthotics.Pharmacies, pedorthists, mastectomy fitters, orthopedic fitters/technicians and athletic trainers must also meet the September 30, 2009 deadline for DMEPOS accreditation. Certain eligible professionals and other persons as specified by the Secretary are exempt from the accreditation requirement.Further information on the DMEPOS accreditation requirements along with a list of the accreditation organizations and those professionals and other persons exempted from accreditation may be found at the CMS website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/03_DeemedAccreditationOrganizations.asp

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North Dakota Floods - State of Emergency Notice

As a consequence of severe storms and flooding in the State of North Dakota, the President has declared a major disaster, and the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared that a public health emergency exists and has existed since March 13, 2009, in the State of North Dakota.  For more information, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Emergency/12_StormFlood.asp on the CMS Web site.

Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/lsredir.php?id=EkFlEpZpAlEbUouIbP&tmpl=dme_viewnews&style=part_ab_viewnews

HHS Acting Secretary Declares Public Health Emergency for North Dakota Storms

HHS Acting Secretary Charles E. Johnson declared a public health emergency for North Dakota in response to severe storms and floods affecting the state on March 25, 2009. The action ensures beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance program, known as CHIP, continue to receive benefits.

Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/lsredir.php?id=EkFlEpZZEZHiKgbpps&tmpl=dme_viewnews&style=part_ab_viewnews

Thursday, March 26, 2009

DME MAC A News for March 26, 2009 - DME MAC Jurisdiction A to Partner with NYMEP to Conduct Full Day Educational Session

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

March 26, 2009
DME MAC Jurisdiction A to Partner with NYMEP to Conduct Full Day Educational SessionThe DME MAC Jurisdiction A Outreach & Education Team will be conducting a full day educational session in partnership with the New York Medical Equipment Providers (NYMEP) Association on March 31, 2009 at the Thayer Hotel in West Point, NY.Registrations are currently being accepted. Additional details are available via the Events section of the NYMEP Web site at http://www.nymep.org. Following the educational session, attendees are encouraged to participate in the second day of dynamic educational programs offered by NYMEP.

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DME MAC A News for March 26, 2009 - LCD and Policy Article Revisions - Summary for March 26, 2009

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

March 26, 2009
LCD and Policy Article Revisions - Summary for March 26, 2009Outlined below is a summary of the principal changes to several DME Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and Policy Articles (PAs) that have been revised and posted. Please review the entire LCD and each related Policy Article for complete information.Ankle-Foot/Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
LCD
Revision Effective Date: 06/01/2009
HCPCS CODES AND MODIFIERS:
Added: KX modifier
Deleted: L2770
DOCUMENTATION:
Added: Instructions for use of KX modifier with both the base and addition code(s)

Policy Article
Revision Effective Date: 06/01/2009
CODING GUIDELINES:
Deleted: Code L2035 from the custom-fabricated orthoses list
Deleted: Codes K0628 and K0629 from the list used in diabetic foot problems management
Added: Codes A5512 and A5513 to the list used in diabetic foot problems management
Added: Code L4392 to list of codes rejected as incorrect coding when billed with initial issue of a base orthosis

Wheelchair Options and Accessories
Policy Article
Revision Effective Date: 01/01/2009 (March Revision)
NON-MEDICAL NECESSITY COVERAGE AND PAYMENT RULES:
Corrected: Noncoverage statement for E2230
CODING GUIDELINES:
Deleted: Codes E0977, E0997-E0999, E2320, and K0099 from list of invalid codes. These codes have been discontinuedNote:The information contained in this article is only a summary of revisions to LCDs and Policy Articles. For complete information on any topic, you must review the LCD and/or article.

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Daily CMS NEWS

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Palmetto GBA E-mail Update

DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

NAS DME Additional Update

ICD-10-Clinical Modifications (CM)/Procedure Coding System (PCS) Conference Call Transcripts

NAS DME Update

Monday, March 30, 2009

Jurisdiction B News: Affordable Health Care for Kids: Moving Forward

Jurisdiction B News: Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes Lunch and Learn

NAS DME Additional Update

Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation

Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation

Jurisdiction B News: New Common Working File MSP Type for Workers' Compensation

Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation – Time is Running Out

Jurisdiction B News: Make Your Voice Heard by Participating in the MCPSS

Friday, March 27, 2009

DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

DME MAC A News for March 27, 2009 - Weekly Updates

NAS DME Update

Thursday, March 26, 2009

DME MAC A News for March 26, 2009 - DME MAC Jurisdiction A to Partner with NYMEP to Conduct Full Day Educational Session

DME MAC A News for March 26, 2009 - LCD and Policy Article Revisions - Summary for March 26, 2009

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