Complex Rehab Highlights on CMS Waivers and Rules

Published in Complex Rehab on April 02, 2020

CMS released new waivers and rules to increase the flexibility for healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a quick overview for CRT:

  1. While it appears PT/OT may be eligible for telehealth there remains questions about the viability of billing and documentation therefore as of this notification telehealth for PTs and OTs is not recommended for the wheelchair evaluation (LCMP specialty evaluation).
  2. CMS indicated that PA will be paused for certain DMEPOS items however as of this notification we don't know which items but are assuming power wheelchairs since they are one of only a few items that require PA and we do not know once implemented if this PAUSE means unavailable or optional. More to come.
  3. This replacement disaster policy doesn't change anything as it is due to loss of item due to a disaster (such as hurricane, flood, etc.) which is not applicable to the Covid-19 emergency.
  4. ATP involvement as of today remains the same as there is no guidance on that and trunk and limb measurements are required to determine the proper equipment therefore in person would still be practical.
  5. Signature requirements HAVE BEEN Loosened (see below).
  6. Advance payment is enacted (see below).

Signature Requirements: CMS is waiving signature and proof of delivery requirements for Part B drugs and Durable Medical Equipment when a signature cannot be obtained because of the inability to collect signatures. Suppliers should document in the medical record the appropriate date of delivery and that a signature was not able to be obtained because of COVID-19.

Accelerated/Advance Payments: In order to increase cash flow to providers impacted by COVID-19, CMS has expanded our current Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. An accelerated/advance payment is a payment intended to provide necessary funds when there is a disruption in claims submission and/or claims processing. CMS is authorized to provide accelerated or advance payments during the period of the public health emergency to any Medicare provider/supplier who submits a request to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and meets the required qualifications. Each MAC will work to review requests and issue payments within seven calendar days of receiving the request. Traditionally, repayment of these advance/accelerated payments begins at 90 days, however for the purposes of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS has extended the repayment of these accelerated/advance payments to begin 120 days after the date of issuance of the payment. Providers can get more information on this process here.

From Our Experts

Complex Rehab Stakeholders Send ‘Powerful Message' thumbnail Complex Rehab Stakeholders Send ‘Powerful Message' A recent fly-in and product expo organized by NCART and NRRTS was the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for several of the complex rehab industry's top priorities, including getting CMS to move forward with coverage for power standing systems. U.S. Rehab Launches Seat Elevation Cost Calculator thumbnail U.S. Rehab Launches Seat Elevation Cost Calculator U.S. Rehab is proud to announce a new, member-exclusive seat elevation cost calculator to help members determine the financial impact of seat elevation. Fall Prevention Awareness Day: Safeguarding Independence for CRT Users thumbnail Fall Prevention Awareness Day: Safeguarding Independence for CRT Users Every year, on the first day of fall, communities come together to observe Fall Prevention Awareness Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of creating safe environments for individuals, especially those who rely on complex rehab technology (CRT) to lead independent lives. Cybersecurity: Five Tips For Remaining Secure thumbnail Cybersecurity: Five Tips For Remaining Secure We are providing five tips from VGM Group's SVP of Corporate Information Services, Jay Bracken, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Tyler's Thoughts: CRT Awareness Week 2023 thumbnail Tyler's Thoughts: CRT Awareness Week 2023 It is with great excitement and gratitude that we come together to celebrate Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Awareness Week. CRT Awareness Week 2023 thumbnail CRT Awareness Week 2023 The National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) has designated the week of Aug. 14 -18 as "National Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Awareness Week." This focused week aims to raise awareness about the significance of CRT in the lives of numerous individuals facing mobility challenges. Stakeholders Try to ‘Take Control' of Repair Issues thumbnail Stakeholders Try to ‘Take Control' of Repair Issues HME News reports that stakeholders now have four specific asks, including reimbursement reform, for state Medicaid programs and other payers to increase access to repairs for wheelchairs. Seat Elevation Systems: Stakeholders Help CMS Shape Next Steps thumbnail Seat Elevation Systems: Stakeholders Help CMS Shape Next Steps HME News reports that with Medicare coverage secured for seat elevation systems, stakeholders are working their way through steps 2 and 3 of the process: coding and pricing.