Medicare Home | JB DME | JC DME | J15 Part A | J15 Part B | J15 HHH September 7, 2023 Joint DME MAC Publication Ventilator technology has evolved to the point where it is possible to have a single device capable of operating in numerous modes, from basic continuous positive pressure (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] and bi-level positive airway pressure [PAP]) to traditional pressure and volume ventilator modes. Similarly, the product coded E0467 adds capabilities beyond these ventilator modes to incorporate the functionality of suction, oxygen concentration, nebulization, and cough stimulation. This creates the possibility that one piece of equipment may be able to replace numerous and different pieces of equipment. Equipment with multifunction capability creates the possibility of errors in claims submitted for these items. This article will discuss the application of Medicare proper coding and payment rules for ventilators. HCPCS CodingEffective for claims with dates of service (DOS) on or after January 1, 2016, all products classified as ventilators must be billed using one of the following HCPCS codes:
In addition, for claims with DOS on or after January 1, 2019, the following ventilator code is eligible for Medicare billing:
Products previously assigned to HCPCS codes E0450 and E0463 must use HCPCS code E0465. Products previously assigned to HCPCS codes E0460, E0461 and E0464 must use HCPCS code E0466. Suppliers may access the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) DMECS Product Classification List (PCL) to determine proper coding of ventilator products. Suppliers are reminded that the payment policy requirements for the frequent and substantial servicing (FSS) payment category prohibits FSS payment for devices used to deliver continuous and/or intermittent positive airway pressure, regardless of the illness treated by the device (Social Security Act 1834(a)(3)(A)). This means that products currently classified as HCPCS code E0465, E0466 or E0467 when used to provide CPAP or bi-level PAP (with or without backup rate) therapy, regardless of the underlying medical condition, may not be paid in the FSS payment category. General principles of correct coding require that products assigned to a specific HCPCS code only be billed using the assigned code. Thus, using the HCPCS codes for CPAP (E0601) or bi-level PAP (E0470, E0471) devices for a ventilator (E0465, E0466) used to provide CPAP or bi-level PAP therapy is incorrect coding. Claims for ventilators billed using the CPAP or bi-level PAP device HCPCS codes will be denied as incorrect coding. There are additional requirements related to billing of code E0467. Code E0467 combines the function of a ventilator with all of the following:
If the device is a multifunction ventilator but does not include all of the functions listed above, then the ventilator must not be coded as E0467. Multifunction ventilators that combine some but not all, of the listed functions, must be coded as E1399 (DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, MISCELLANEOUS). The following HCPCS codes for individual items are included in the functionality of code E0467:
For E0467 claims with dates of service before April 3, 2020: Claims for any of the HCPCS codes listed above that are submitted on the same claim or that overlap any date(s) of service for E0467 is considered to be unbundling. In addition, any claim for repair (HCPCS code K0739 for labor and any HCPCS code for replacement items) of beneficiary-owned equipment identified by HCPCS codes listed above is considered as unbundling if the date(s) of service for the repair overlaps any date(s) of service for code E0467. Claims for code E0467 with a date(s) of service that overlaps date(s) of service for any of the following scenarios are considered as a claim for same or similar equipment when the beneficiary:
For E0467 claims with dates of service on or after April 3, 2020: Any claim for repair (HCPCS code K0739 for labor and any HCPCS code for replacement items) of beneficiary-owned equipment identified by HCPCS codes listed above is considered as unbundling if the date(s) of service for the repair overlaps any date(s) of service for code E0467. Claims for code E0467 with a date(s) of service that overlaps date(s) of service in a rental month for any of the items listed above are considered as a claim for same or similar equipment. Suppliers are encouraged to be sure that the correct category of product is provided and billed to avoid errors in HCPCS coding. CoverageItems may only be covered based upon the reasonable and necessary (R&N) criteria applicable to the product. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) National Coverage Determination Manual (CMS Pub. 100-03) Chapter 1, Part 4, Section 280.1 stipulates that ventilators are covered for the following conditions: [N]euromuscular diseases, thoracic restrictive diseases, and chronic respiratory failure consequent to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These ventilator-related disease groups overlap conditions described in the Respiratory Assist Devices Local Coverage Determination (LCD) used to determine coverage for bi-level PAP devices. Each of these disease categories are conditions where the specific presentation of the disease can vary from patient to patient. For conditions such as these, the specific treatment plan for any individual patient will vary as well. Choice of an appropriate treatment plan, including the determination to use a ventilator versus a bi-level PAP device, is made based upon the specifics of each individual beneficiary's medical condition. In the event of a claim review, there must be sufficiently detailed information in the medical record to support the treatment selected. UpgradesAn upgrade is defined as an item that goes beyond what is medically necessary under Medicare's coverage requirements. In some cases, CMS policy that allows for billing of upgrade modifiers can be used when providing an item or service that is considered beyond what is medically necessary. This is not applicable to ventilators in the situations described above. Although the use of a ventilator to treat any of the conditions contained in the PAP or RAD LCD is considered "more than is medically necessary", the upgrade billing provisions may not be used to provide a ventilator for conditions described in the PAP or RAD LCD. CPAP and bi-level PAP items are in the Capped Rental payment category while ventilators are in the FSS payment category. Upgrade billing across different payment categories is not possible. Claims for items billed for upgrade across different payment categories will be rejected as unprocessable. Payment CategoryVentilators are classified in the FSS payment category. FSS items are those for which there must be frequent and substantial servicing in order to avoid risk to the patient's health (Social Security Act §1834(a)(3)(A)). The monthly rental payment for items in this pricing category is all-inclusive meaning there is no separate payment by Medicare for any options, accessories or supplies used with a ventilator. In addition, all necessary maintenance, servicing, repairs and replacement are also included in the monthly rental. Claims for these items and/or services will be denied as unbundling. Coverage of Second VentilatorMedicare does not cover spare or back-up equipment. Claims for backup equipment will be denied as not reasonable and necessary – same/similar equipment. Backup equipment must be distinguished from multiple medically necessary items which are defined as identical or similar devices, each of which meets a different medical need for the beneficiary. Although Medicare does not pay separately for backup equipment, Medicare will make a separate payment for a second piece of equipment if it is required to serve a different medical purpose that is determined by the beneficiary's medical needs. The following are examples of situations in which a beneficiary would qualify for both a primary ventilator and a secondary ventilator:
Refer to the various LCDs and LCD-related Policy Articles referenced above as impacted and to the DME MAC Supplier Manuals for additional information on coverage, coding and documentation of these items. For questions about correct coding, contact the PDAC HCPCS Helpline at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You may also visit the PDAC website Revision History
|
Retired: Correct Coding and Coverage of Ventilators – Revised (2024)
Top Articles
Play Crazy Eights online free. 2-12 players, No ads
Crazy Eights Card Game: Rules, Strategies, And Tips
'90 Day Fiancé': Steven Cries as He Proposes to Alina
90 Day Fiancé: Steven Explains Asking Alina to Date Others (Exclusive)
2024 Massey Ferguson 2600 H Series MF 2604H - farm & garden - by dealer - sale - craigslist
The 25 Most Controversial Rap Albums of All Time
Cjclark Lpsg
Guide - Bingo Guide for July 2024
[video] DED Complex 3/10 Sansha's Command Relay Outpost - My EVE
Sansha Wormholes for PVE and PVP
The 30 Best Sites for Menswear: A Men's Guide to Shopping Online
I Tested No Boundaries Men's Shirts and Here's Why They're a Must-Have for Any Wardrobe
Latest Posts
Crazy Eights Card Game Rules and Strategies Guide
Play Crazy Eights Game: Free Online Crazy 8s Playing Cards Video Game for Kids & Adults
Article information
Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin
Last Updated:
Views: 6053
Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)
Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful
Author information
Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin
Birthday: 1992-06-28
Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023
Phone: +6824704719725
Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator
Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.