Legislators: Delay new PMD codes
By HME News Staff
Updated Sun September 10, 2006
WASHINGTON - Three legislators have sent strongly worded letters to the Department of Health and Human Services asking the agency not to implement the new codes for power mobility devices Oct. 1.
The legislators also ask the agency not to implement the accompanying coverage criteria and the yet-to-be-released pricing.
"Unfortunately, it appears as though we are in the same or similar position as we were last year, regarding new coding, the LCD and the fee schedule being quickly implemented when many are expressing concerns and problems that need to be addressed," stated Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa.
The legislators suggest CMS implement the new codes Jan. 1, 2007, for use on claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2007. The delay would allow the industry to work with CMS to improve the codes, the legislators said. It would also give providers more time to adapt to the changes.
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Rep. Don Sherwood, R-Pa., also wrote letters, according to Seth Johnson, vice president of government affairs for the Exeter, Pa.-based Pride Mobility.
CMS released 64 new codes for power mobility devices last year. In August, it released a product classification list, preliminary pricing information and the LCD. CMS is expected to release a fee schedule in mid-September.
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