CMS will be implementing Prior Authorization February 29, 2016 for certain DMEPOS items that included lower limb prosthesis. What does this mean for YOU? AOPA is pleased to present the beginning of our educational efforts related to Prior Authorization. Please join AOPA for an AOPA Member Exclusive introductory webinar on Prior Authorization, with 2 dates […]
News
Update on DME MAC Contractor Transition
Following up on a previous Smart Brief announcement, regarding upcoming changes in the contractors who will serve as the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs), AOPA has learned about additional details regarding the transition of DME MAC Jurisdiction A and Jurisdiction B responsibilities. The denial of the NGS protest of the Jurisdiction B […]
CGS to be the New DME MAC for Jurisdiction B
As AOPA reported earlier, CGS, the current Jurisdiction C DME MAC contractor, was awarded the Jurisdiction B contract on September 3, 2015. However, National Government Services (NGS), the current Jurisdiction B DME MAC, filed a formal protest causing CMS to halt the transition pending a review of the contract award by the Government Accountability office […]
The 2016 O&P Leadership Conference: Another Success
O&P industry leaders returned from the January 8-10 2nd O&P Leadership Conference in Palm Beach with comments such as “by far, the most valuable event I’ve had the privilege to attend in my career”, “truly a great session”, and “extremely helpful”. With a lineup including former Senator Bob Kerrey, Political Analyst Charles E. Cook, Jr. and Healthcare Futurist […]
Jurisdiction A DME MAC Contract Awarded to Noridian Health Solutions, LLC
On December 16, 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) announced that Noridian HealthCare Solutions, LLC. was awarded a contract to serve as the Jurisdiction A Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC). Noridian currently holds contracts to serve as the Jurisdiction D DME MAC as well as the Pricing, Data Analysis, […]
CMS Issues Final Rule on Medicare Prior Authorization for Certain DMEPOS Including Most Lower Limb Prostheses
On December 29th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long anticipated final rule regarding Medicare prior authorization of certain DMEPOS, including most lower limb prostheses. The final rule, which will be published in the December 30, 2015 Federal Register, will be implemented 60 days after it publication. AOPA has reviewed the […]
Congress Close to a Deal on Funding of the Federal Government; Modest Potential Impact on O&P and Suspension of Medical Device Excise Tax for Non-O&P in Play
On Wednesday, December 16th, President Obama signed a short term spending measure that will allow the Federal government to continue to operate until December 22, allowing Congress to finalize its long anticipated Omnibus appropriations and tax break extender legislation that will fund the Federal government for the remainder of the 2016 fiscal year. Two important […]
AOPA Funded Systematic Review Protocol by Dr. Michael Dillon, PhD Available Now
AOPA’s commitment to O&P research has resulted in an increase of funding to pilot grants, systematic reviews, and other special projects. The protocol for a recently funded systematic review is available to read now. This is an increasingly relevant topic: it presents a systematic review now underway of outcomes of dysvascular partial foot amputation and how […]
PDAC Announces Coding Verification Review for Ankle Gauntlets
The Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding contractor (PDAC) has announced that due to a change in the 2016 descriptor verbiage for L1902 and L1904, it will initiate a new coding verification for any ankle gauntlet style devices that contain joints that are currently listed on the PDAC site under L2999. Read the announcement. It is […]
Attend the First Coding & Billing Seminar of 2016
AOPA is pleased to announce that the first Mastering Medicare: Essential Coding & Billing Techniques Seminar will be in Tampa, Florida January 25-26 at the Tampa Marriott Westshore. AOPA experts provide the most up-to-date information to help O&P Practitioners and office billing staff learn how to code complex devices, including repairs and adjustments, through interactive discussions […]