AOPA Government Affairs News

DME MACs Release a “Dear Physician” Letter Regarding Artificial Limbs

The four DME MACs have recently released a new “Dear Physician” letter that addresses a physician’s documentation responsibilities when prescribing artificial limbs.  While the letter discusses all artificial limbs, it is primarily focused on lower limb prostheses.

Click here to read the “Dear Physician” letter.

While AOPA views this type of letter as a useful tool in helping orthotists and prosthetists effectively communicate with their referral sources, AOPA has several concerns about the general tone of the letter specifically that it seems to minimize the value and importance of documentation recorded by the prosthetist for claim payment purposes.

AOPA is preparing a letter to the DME MAC Medical Directors to express its concern over the letter and hopes to establish a positive dialogue that will result in an understanding of the importance of prosthetist generated documentation along with that of the prescribing physician.

Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at (571) 431-0811 or JMcTernan@AOPAnet.org .