CTF: Template needs more prompts
By Elizabeth Deprey
Updated Wed October 24, 2012
WASHINGTON - The Clinician Task Force wants to see some changes to CMS's draft electronic template for power mobility devices, says Laura Cohen, chairwoman. Among them: prompts to call in a physical therapist or occupational therapist to help evaluate the patient. The group submitted comments to CMS on Sept. 17, and Cohen has her fingers crossed that the group's suggestions will be in the final draft.
HME News: What's wrong with the current draft?
Laura Cohen: CMS has placed the responsibility for the functional mobility evaluation with the physician, but that's not something they normally do. PTs and OTs are the professionals that do that.
HME: Have you heard anything back from CMS?
Cohen: CMS wrote to us immediately to remind us that doctors can refer whenever they think it's appropriate. The fact of the matter is: Physicians don't consider it. That's why we put in cues to prompt them to think about it.
HME: Why are you keeping such a close eye on the template?
Cohen: When CMS gives this template to the electronic health vendors, it's going to change practice forever. That's why it's so important that it reflects best practices. We need to do a complete evaluation, and then payers can select the information they need from what's collected. If people only collect what CMS requires the consumer will lose out.
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