Tag: PHE

WASHINGTON – The DME MACs have published an updated FAQ to provide additional guidance related to the new local coverage determination for home oxygen therapy.  The FAQ comprises 25 questions related to continued need, the new N modifiers and more.  AAHomecare highlighted the following questions in a bulletin:  1. Is an initial F2F evaluation required?  Answer: While there’s no formal requirement in the NCD or LCD, good medical practice would dictate...

WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care, is calling on the federal government to implement policies to ensure patients do not experience barriers to maintaining access to home oxygen, sleep and non-invasive ventilator therapy due to new paperwork requirements that are set to take effect when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends on May 11.  “The public health emergency declaration went a long way towards ensuring the more than 1.5 million patients who rely on...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate voted this week to end the public health emergency, but it’s unclear whether the House of Representatives will also take up the measure, according to news reports. The Senate voted 62-36 to end the PHE, which allows certain waivers and flexibilities. Of particular impact for the HME industry, the PHE includes a 75-25 blended reimbursement rate for providers in non-rural areas. Currently, the PHE is set to expire in mid-January, with the U.S. Department of...

WASHINGTON – Industry stakeholders are trying to guide what a post-PHE world for home oxygen therapy and other product categories might look like.  AAHomecare recently discussed with CMS a one-page recommended reference document for Medicare audit contractors reviewing claims for dates of service during and after the PHE. The document is a cheat sheet of sorts for the waivers that have been in place during the PHE that don’t require, for example, medical documentation or a signature.  “It...

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM is asking providers to participate in a follow-up survey related to the real cost of providing equipment, such as oxygen, hospital beds, mobility equipment and more to patients’ homes before and during the public health emergency. A previous survey of nearly 100 independent providers was shared with elected officials and other industry stakeholders. Those same elected officials and stakeholders recently requested that VGM follow up with questions relative to certain...

WASHINGTON - Alex Azar, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, signed a renewal of the COVID-19 national public health emergency on Thursday. “The administration will continue its whole-of-America response to ensure Americans can get the care they need throughout the pandemic,” Azar tweeted on Thursday evening. The renewal is effective July 25 for 90 days. The PHE was first declared on Jan. 31 and renewed on April 21. Several relief...