SMRC audits orthopedic footwear

WASHINGTON – Noridian Healthcare Solutions, the Supplemental Medical Review Contractor for CMS, is conducting post-payment reviews for orthopedic footwear claims from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2019. Orthopedic footwear is covered under the “leg, arm, back and neck braces, and artificial legs, arms and eyes” benefit. Coverage is provided when coverage, coding and documentation requirements are met. The reviews will include base and accessory codes. Noridian noted that this service category had an improper payment rate of 84.7% in 2019, according to the CERT Medicare Fee-For-Service Improper Payment Report.