Daily CMS NEWS: May 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

Palmetto GBA E-mail Update

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Get Ready for Competitive Bidding

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA),

enacted on July 15, 2008, made limited changes to the Medicare Durable

Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive

Bidding Program, including a requirement that competition to re-bid Round 1

occur in 2009. On January 16, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule with comment period that

incorporates into regulations only those provisions of MIPPA related to the

DMEPOS competitive bidding program that are self-implementing and necessary

to conduct the Round 1 rebid competition in 2009. That rule became

effective on April 18, 2009. To ensure that suppliers have ample time to

prepare for the competition, CMS has announced steps for the program.

http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7SHP4Y0373?opendocument

Applies to:

National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC)//General - NSC

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Medical Review Webinars: Join the DME MAC Jurisdiction C Provider Outreach and Education team to learn about common errors discovered during audits of diabetic supplies, group II support surfaces, nebulizers and medications, power wheelchairs, and enteral nutrition. Knowledge gained from this course will improve your audit strategy. Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0509/cope9965.html

DME Insider Summer 2009 Edition Webinars: Join your CIGNA Government Services Provider Outreach and Education (POE) staff for a webinar covering portions of the Summer 2009 DME Insider. Topics include:

How to Prevent your Redetermination Request from Being Dismissed
LCD and Policy Article Revisions
Documentation Guidlines for Nebulizers and Supplies
Reminders Concerning Blood Glucose Monitor Supply Refills
Wheelchair Repair Labor Billing Policy

Final Agenda for the Next Meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC): CMS has finalized the agenda (below) for the next meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) which advises the agency on implementation of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program and DMEPOS supplier quality standards. Jon Blum, CMS, and Tom Jeffers, Hill Rom Inc., are co-chairs for the committee. Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0509/cope9969.html

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DME MAC A News for May 29, 2009 - Roll-out: Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for DMEPOS, Round One Rebid

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

May 29, 2009
Roll-out: Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for DMEPOS, Round One Rebid
(CMS Message 2009-05-29)MEDICARE BEGINS SUPPLIER EDUCATION FOR THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROGRAM
FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Supplier Bid Window to Open in Fall 2009The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the next steps in the implementation of the Round One Rebid of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS), including the general timeline for opening the bid window in the fall of this year."Congress mandated that competition for the Round One Rebid occur in 2009. CMS is announcing the next steps to implement the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program now to give the supplier community ample time to prepare as well as inform other stakeholders," said Charlene Frizzera, CMS Acting Administrator. "This program generated substantial savings for Medicare and beneficiaries who used these items and supplies in the competitive bidding areas last summer and is consistent with CMS' goal to pay appropriately for Medicare items and services."CMS will now begin general "pre-bidding" supplier awareness and education efforts on key steps suppliers need to take now to be ready for registration and bidding including getting appropriate State licenses, updating Medicare enrollment files with the National Supplier Clearinghouse and getting accredited and bonded. On June 4, 2009, CMS will convene a meeting of the DMEPOS competitive bidding Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) before announcing the detailed timeline for the program in the summer. The bidder registration period is expected to begin this summer before bidding opens in the fall. CMS has made a number of process improvements for the Round One Rebid, such as an upgraded on-line bid submission system, early bidder education, and increased oversight of bidders that are new to product categories or competitive bidding areas to ensure they meet CMS' requirements.As part of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), Congress enacted a temporary delay of the competitive bidding program and mandated certain changes in the program. The law required CMS to terminate contracts awarded in Round One and to conduct the competition for the Round One Rebid in 2009. Additionally, the new law establishes a financial document review process and a requirement for contract suppliers to report subcontract relationships with other suppliers. MIPPA also excluded certain DMEPOS items and areas from competitive bidding and provided an exemption to the program for hospitals that furnish certain types of DMEPOS items to their own patients. However, MIPPA did not fundamentally change the nature of the competitive bidding program as established by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) or the existing competitive bidding regulations that were finalized in 2007.From a beneficiary standpoint, there will be no immediate effect on the Medicare DMEPOS benefit and Medicare beneficiaries may continue to use their current DMEPOS suppliers at this time.Round One of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program was implemented on July 1, 2008, in 10 competitive bidding areas, as mandated by the MMA. The Round One competitive bidding process resulted in average savings of 26 percent compared to the prices Medicare would have paid for the competitive bid items under the existing DMEPOS fee schedule in 2008. These lower prices would have directly translated to lower out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries, who are responsible for 20 percent coinsurance on these items and services after any unmet Part B deductible.The DMEPOS competitive bidding program, combined with Medicare's accreditation and quality standard efforts, will help to assure that high quality service and items continue to be available to beneficiaries who need medical equipment and supplies.Additional information on the DMEPOS competitive bidding program is available at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/01_overview.asp#TopOfPageThe CMS press release issued today is available at:
https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.aspThe CMS fact sheet issued today is available at:
https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp

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DME MAC A News for May 29, 2009 - Ostomy Supplies - Billing Reminder

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

May 29, 2009
Ostomy Supplies - Billing ReminderA recent review of claims for ostomy supplies by the DME MAC Jurisdiction A, Medical Review, has identified billing discrepancies. This article is intended to serve as a reminder of the key policy elements.Ostomy supplies are covered for use on patients with a surgically created opening (stoma) to divert urine or fecal contents outside the body. Ostomy supplies are appropriately used for colostomies 569.60, 569.62, V44.3, V55.3, ileostomies V44.2, V55.2 or urinary ostomies V44.6, V55.6. Use for other conditions will be denied as noncovered. The quantity of ostomy supplies needed by a patient is determined to a great extent by the type of ostomy, its location, its construction, and the condition of the skin surface surrounding the stoma.Suppliers are reminded that the provisions of ostomy supplies should be limited to a one-month supply for patients residing in a nursing facility and a three-months supply for patients at home. Ostomy supplies are not separately payable when a patient is in a covered home health episode. Ostomy supplies must be provided by the home health agency and payment is included in the home health Medicare payment rate. It is not appropriate to bill these to the DME MAC.For supplies billed in a home setting, the following processing guidelines will apply:If there is no indication of the number of months the supplier is billing for we will allow up to a 3-month supply.If there is indication on the claim of the number of months being billed, we will process as billed, up to a 3-month supply.An order for each item billed must be signed and dated by the treating physician, kept on file by the supplier, and be available upon request. Items billed before a signed and dated order has been received by the supplier must be submitted with an EY modifier added to each affected HCPCS code. Suppliers must maintain the preliminary written order and this documentation must be available to the DME MACs upon request. If the supplier does not have an order from the treating physician before dispensing an item, the item is noncovered.For detailed written orders, the following elements must be present:Beneficiary's nameDescription of the itemTreating physician's nameStart date of the order (if different from physician's signature date)For ostomy supplies or any item that is dispensed on a periodic basis, the detailed written order must also include:Quantity to be dispensedFrequency of changeLength or duration of treatmentIn order to prevent denials, and submitting claims with overlapping dates of service, the claims must reflect the correct date the supplies are disbursed.It is important for suppliers to be familiar with the documentation requirements and utilization parameters as outlined in the Ostomy Supplies LCD L11502 and policy article. Suppliers can review the LCD and policy article on the DME MAC A Web site at:
http://www.medicarenhic.com/dme/medical_review/mr_lcd_current.shtml

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DME MAC A News for May 29, 2009 - GET READY FOR COMPETITIVE BIDDING!

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

May 29, 2009
GET READY FOR COMPETITIVE BIDDING!
(CMS Message 2009-05-29)The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), enacted on July 15, 2008, made limited changes to the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program, including a requirement that competition to re-bid Round 1 occur in 2009. On January 16, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule with comment period that incorporates into regulations only those provisions of MIPPA related to the DMEPOS competitive bidding program that are self-implementing and necessary to conduct the Round 1 rebid competition in 2009. That rule became effective on April 18, 2009. To ensure that suppliers have ample time to prepare for the competition, CMS has announced the following next steps for the program:SPRING 2009CMS BEGINS PRE-BIDDING SUPPLIER AWARENESS CAMPAIGNPROGRAM ADVISORY AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (PAOC) MEETING (JUNE 4, 2009)SUMMER 2009CMS ANNOUNCES BIDDING SCHEDULE/SCHEDULE OF EDUCATION EVENTSCMS BEGINS BIDDER EDUCATION CAMPAIGNBIDDER REGISTRATION PERIOD TO OBTAIN USER IDS AND PASSWORDS BEGINSFALL 2009BIDDING BEGINSIf you are a supplier interested in bidding, prepare now - don't wait!UPDATE YOUR NSC FILES: DMEPOS supplier standard # 2 requires ALL suppliers to notify the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) of any change to the information provided on the Medicare enrollment application (CMS-855S) within 30 days of the change. DMEPOS suppliers should use the 3/09 version of the CMS-855S and should review and update:The list of products and services found in section 2.D;The Authorized Official(s) information in sections 6A and 15; andThe correspondence address in section 2A2 of the CMS-855S. This is especially important for suppliers who will be involved in the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. These suppliers must ensure the information listed on their supplier files is accurate to enable participation in this program. Information and instructions on how to submit a change of information may be found on the NSC Web site (http://www.palmettogba.com/nsc) and by following this path: Supplier Enrollment/Change of Information/Change of Information Guide.

GET LICENSED: Suppliers submitting a bid for a product category in a competitive bidding area (CBA) must meet all DMEPOS state licensure requirements and other applicable state licensure requirements, if any, for that product category for every state in that CBA. Prior to submitting a bid for a CBA and product category, the supplier must have a copy of the applicable state licenses on file with the NSC. As part of the bid evaluation we will verify with the NSC that the supplier has on file a copy of all applicable required state license(s).

GET ACCREDITED: CMS would like to remind DMEPOS suppliers again that time is running out to obtain accreditation by the September 30, 2009 deadline or risk having their Medicare Part B billing privileges revoked on October 1, 2009. Accreditation takes an average of 6 months to complete. It is very important for DMEPOS suppliers to contact an accreditation organization right away to obtain information about the accreditation process and submit an application. Suppliers must be accredited for a product category in order to submit a bid for that product category. CMS cannot contract with suppliers that are not accredited by a CMS-approved accreditation organization.

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/01_Overview.asp .

GET BONDED: CMS would like to remind DMEPOS suppliers that certain suppliers will need to obtain and submit a surety bond by the October 2, 2009 deadline or risk having their Medicare Part B billing privileges revoked. Suppliers subject to the bonding requirement must be bonded in order to bid in the DMEPOS competitive bidding program. A list of sureties from which a bond can be secured is found at the Department of the Treasury's "List of Certified (Surety Bond) Companies;" the web site is located at: http://www.fms.treas.gov/c570/c570_a-z.html .

Visit the CMS web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/ for the latest information on the DMEPOS competitive bidding program.To view the Press Release, please click:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp .

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DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

Reminder:

On behalf of CEDI: CEDI Ask the Contractor Teleconference Friday, May 29, 2009

The CEDI Help Desk will conduct an Ask the Contractor Teleconference on Friday, May 29, 2009, to discuss the PC-ACE software for entering new claims, paper to electronic formats and how to enter MSP claims. This teleconference is for all CEDI trading partners, vendors, billing services, and clearinghouses. A brief presentation will be given and then the call will be opened to a Question and Answer session.

Date:	May 29, 2009
Time:	2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Teleconference Dial-In Number:	1.866.497.2655
Conference ID:	10777996

Note: Registration for this teleconference is not necessary.

http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0509/cope9974.html

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DME MAC A News for May 29, 2009 - Weekly Updates

NHIC, Corp.DME MAC A ListServe

For Immediate Release

May 29, 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 Requirements (SE0903) has been revised.
Ostomy Supplies - Billing Reminder
Final Agenda for the Next Meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) (CMS Message 2009-05-28)

For more information visit:

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

Final Agenda for the Next Meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) (CMS Message 2009-05-28)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized the agenda (below) for the next meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) which advises the agency on implementation of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program and DMEPOS supplier quality standards. Jon Blum, CMS, and Tom Jeffers, Hill Rom Inc., are co-chairs for the committee.

Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC)
Meeting Agenda, Thursday, June 04, 2009, Marriott Hotel BWI

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Public Registration

8:30 - 8:45 a.m.

Opening Remarks

8:45 - 9:00 a.m.

Introduction of New PAOC Committee

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Background on the ProgramStandard Payment RulesCompetitive Bidding DemonstrationsMedicare Modernization Act of 20032008 Legislative Refinements

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

On-Line Bidding System

10:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Mid-Morning Break

10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Education on Program Requirements and Bidder Responsibilities

11:30 - 12:00 p.m.

Financial Documentation

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

LUNCH (On your own)

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Licensure, Accreditation, and Subcontracting Requirements

2:30 - 3:15 p.m.

New Supplier Issues

3:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Mid-Afternoon Break

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Mail Order - Diabetic Testing Supplies

4:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Tentative Timeline

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.

Public Comments

DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation - Time is Running Out - Deadline 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 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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Jurisdiction B News: Payment for Maintenance & Servicing of Oxygen Equipment

MLN Matters Number: MM6509Related Changed Request (CR) #: 6509Related CR Release Date: May 22, 2009Effective Date: July 1, 2009 Related CR Transmittal #: R497OTNImplementation Date: July 6, 2009 Payment for Maintenance and Servicing of Certain Oxygen Equipment as a Result of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 - CR 6509 RESCINDS AND FULLY REPLACES CR 6404
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/MM6509.pdf This article will also be available on the National Government Services Web site within two business days. http://www.NGSMedicare.com

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!

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This E-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply E-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
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Jurisdiction B News: DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation Requirements

MLN Matters Number: SE0903 Revised Related Changed Request (CR) #: NARelated CR Release Date: NAEffective Date: March 1, 2009 Related CR Transmittal #: NAImplementation Date: NA
Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Accreditation Requirements 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: Final Agenda for Program Advisory and Oversight Committee

Final Agenda for the Next Meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) (PE200905-34) CMS has finalized the agenda (below) for the next meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) which advises the agency on implementation of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program and DMEPOS supplier quality standards. Jon Blum, CMS, and Tom Jeffers, Hill Rom Inc., are co-chairs for the committee. Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC)Meeting Agenda, Thursday, June 04, 2009, Marriott Hotel BWI 8:00 - 8:30 Public Registration 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Opening Remarks 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Introduction of New PAOC Committee 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Background on the Program: - Standard Payment Rules - Competitive Bidding Demonstrations - Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 - 2008 Legislative Refinements 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. On-Line Bidding System 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Mid-Morning Break 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Education on Program Requirements and Bidder Responsibilities 11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Financial Documentation 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH (On your own) 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Licensure, Accreditation, and Subcontracting Requirements 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. New Supplier Issues 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Mid-Afternoon Break 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Mail Order - Diabetic Testing Supplies 4:00 – 4:15 p.m. Tentative Timeline 4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Public Comments

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Attention All CEDI Trading Partners, Suppliers, Billing Services, Clearinghouses, and Vendors

CEDI Ask the Contractor Teleconference Friday, May 29, 2009

The CEDI Help Desk will conduct an Ask the Contractor Teleconference on Friday, May 29, 2009, to discuss the PC-ACE software for entering new claims, paper to electronic formats and how to enter MSP claims. This teleconference is for all CEDI trading partners, vendors, billing services and clearinghouses. A brief presentation will be given and then the call will be opened to a Question and Answer session.

Date: May 29, 2009

Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Teleconference Dial-In Number: 1-866-497-2655

Conference ID: 10777996

Note: Registration for this teleconference is not necessary.

Thank you,
National Government Services, Inc.
Corporate Communications

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NAS DME Update

NAS DME Jurisdiction D E-mail List

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Refractive Lenses Workshop

Attention Refractive Lens Suppliers! Are you having difficulty getting your claims paid by the DME MAC? Are you unsure of how to submit your claim? Are you perplexed by the coverage requirements? If your answer to any of these questions was yes, or you just need a refresher course, then this is the workshop for you.

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

General Announcements

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Compression Stockings/Wraps

Gradient compression stockings/wraps (A6531, A6532, A6545) are eligible for coverage under the Surgical Dressings benefit when they are used as part of a multi-layer compression system for the treatment of venous stasis ulcers.

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

The ICD-10 CM/PCS - The Next Generation of Coding - Revised SE0832

This Special Edition article (SE0832) outlines general information for providers detailing the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) classification system. Compared to the current ICD-9 classification system, ICD-10 offers more detailed information and the ability to expand specificity and clinical information in order to capture advancements in clinical medicine. Providers may want to become familiar with the new coding system.

Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/lsredir.php?pdf=/provider/updates/docs/SE0832Revised.pdf

Same or Similiar Reference Chart

This Same or Similar Reference Chart was created by NAS for DME Jurisdiction D suppliers as a tool to assist in understanding same or similar denials. More information regarding this topic is available in the "Same or Similar Denials" article published in January 2007. Suppliers should verify the patient has not had a same or similar item within the previous five years by calling the IVR at 1-877-320-0390.

Read the complete update: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/lsredir.php?pdf=/provider/updates/docs/Same or Similar Reference Chart.pdf

Top Ten Telephone Inquiries

The purpose of this article is to assist suppliers with solutions to the "Top Ten" telephone inquiries our Supplier Contact Center received from January - March 2009, excluding eligibility and claim status. Our Web site, https://www.noridianmedicare.com, contains excellent information to assist with supplier inquiries.

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

Top Ten Written Inquiries

In an effort to make our written correspondence staff more effective in helping suppliers with their inquiries, the top ten written inquiries for January - March 2009 are listed below along with reminders and resources related to each inquiry.

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

DME MAC Reopening and Appeal Process Workshops

Are you unsure of the differences between a reopening and the appeal process? Do you know how to request a reopening or an appeal? Are you aware of all the different levels within the appeals process? For answers to these questions and more, attend the workshop NAS is offering on June 2nd or June 4th, on the DME MAC reopening and appeal process.

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

Thursday, May 28, 2009

DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

Diabetic Supplies Webinars: Are you aware that Home Blood Glucose Monitors and Supplies are part of the Medical Review focus for 2009? If not, please join the Jurisdiction C DME MAC Provider Outreach and Education team for Medicare Diabetic Supplies Webinars/Teleconferences. Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0509/cope9948.html

Diabetic Shoes Webinars: If you supply therapeutic shoes for persons with diabetes and you are interested in learning Medicare's coverage limitations for this service, then this is the Webinar for you! By covering the following material, we will help you avoid costly billing mistakes:

Typical Beneficiary File
Order Requirements
Coverage Criteria
Coding
Utilization Limitations
Modifiers
CERT
Resources

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DME MAC Jurisdiction C News

Don't miss the CIGNA Government Services Medicare workshop coming June 11 to Nashville, Tennessee!

Our popular "Medicare Survival Guide" workshop series makes a stop at the Willis Conference Center in Nashvile on June 11. Don't miss this opportunity to test your Medicare survival skills by participating in a variety of DME Medicare breakout sessions! This unique workshop lets you choose your own customized track of courses based on your specific educational needs. Both new and experienced "Medicare Survivalists" will benefit from participating.

Our survival guide workshop series will give Nashville area DME suppliers/providers the ability to ask our operational area managers and subject matter experts questions between breakout sessions. Medical Review, Appeals, and Claims Processing personnel will be available at our help desk to answer your questions.

Time is running out! Join us for the DME "Medicare Survival Guide" workshop series - coming to the Willis Conference Center on June 11 in Nashville, Tennessee! Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0509/cope9724.html

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Please do not respond to this message. This is an unmonitored mailbox. Please use our Online Help Center to submit any comments and inquiries to CIGNA Government Services.

Jurisdiction B News: Helpful Registration Tips for Teleconferences & Webinars

Helpful Registration Tips for Teleconference & Webinar Training Events In order to provide the maximum level of customer service, the National Government Services, Inc. Provider Outreach & Education team has enhanced our event registration process. Registration is required for all teleconference and Webinar training events. To register for an event follow these steps: Go to the Events Calendar in the Education and Support section of our Web site at www.NGSMedicare.com Click the link for the event for which you wish to register.On the Event Details page, click the icon above the dark blue line that says RegisterA new screen will pop up entitled, Event Registration FormFill out all required fields on the registration form and click <NEXT>.The Event Registration Form - Confirmation screen will appear.Verify your entries and <NEXT> your registration at the bottom of the screen.A new screen will appear, Event Registration - Thank You! to verify successful registration.An e-mail confirmation will immediately be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Review and print the e-mail confirmation. If others in your facility will join you at the session, forward the e-mail appropriately. The confirmation email registrants receive include instructions on how to access the session and training material, if applicable. The confirmation will be sent to the email address provided during the registration and it will come from NGS_Medicare@WellPoint.com . Check with your IT department to ensure these e-mails will not be blocked from your Inbox. The confirmation will list the toll-free dial-in phone number, conference ID, web link (for webinar events), plus instructions for downloading training materials, if applicable. This e-mail will also contain the link for the online training assessment that attendees will later use to evaluate the session. Please do not delete this email as it contains valuable information that will not be resent closer to the date of the event. If you have questions about your registration for any of the events on our calendar, or you are not sure you registered successfully, please contact the event coordinator listed on the Event Details page under the contact information.

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