Upcoming Educational Opportunities About Oxygen Policy Changes

Published in Government Relations on June 06, 2022

Have you been able to keep up with the oxygen policy updates? If the answer is no, we understand why! It’s due to all the confusion with the policy changes on top of dealing with the PHE. The latest announcement is that CMS is delaying the implementation date to January 3, 2023. Yes, that is correct. The implementation date has changed to January 2023 to be in alignment with the elimination of the CMN. Click here to read more.

Even though the initial implementation date has changed from June 2022 to January 2023 now, Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, will move forward with offering education to the industry. Here are some opportunities to learn about the oxygen policy changes:

Click the links above to learn more and register.

In addition, on Friday, June 3, 2022, the DME MACs made a revision to the CMS-1744-IFC regarding the CMN/DIF instructions during the PHE:

CMN and DIF Instructions - Oxygen (Form CMS 484.3) and External Infusion Pumps (Form 10125)
CMS-1744-IFC stated that CMS would exercise enforcement discretion for clinical indications of coverage for the oxygen NCDs and LCDs during the PHE. Numerous fields on the Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) for oxygen are directly related to the clinical indications. After carefully reviewing the CMN and the related claims processing issues that would result from having missing information or having clinical information for which the form was intended, CMS has determined that requirements for a CMN for oxygen claims will not be enforced during the COVID-19 PHE. The same concerns that apply to the oxygen CMN also apply to the External Infusion Pump (EIPs) DIF; therefore, the requirements for a DIF for EIP claims will also not be enforced. Suppliers should follow the guidance in the Claim Instruction section above for oxygen and EIP claims.

There is no requirement to submit a CMN or DIF during the PHE for oxygen or EIPs. If CMNs or DIFs are not submitted, suppliers must use the CR modifier and COVID-19 narrative for any oxygen or EIP claims submitted during the COVID PHE. CMNs or DIFs are not required regardless of the diagnosis or etiology necessitating the use of the CMN-related or DIF-related DME. Use of the CR modifier and COVID-19 narrative simply reflects that the claim was submitted during the COVID PHE.

Click here to learn more.


TAGS

  1. billing & reimbursement
  2. education
  3. hme
  4. vgm
  5. vgm government

From Our Experts

Deadline To Comment On CMS' Proposed Rule Is Today thumbnail Deadline To Comment On CMS' Proposed Rule Is Today VGM Group has submitted our comments on the CY26 CMS DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule and encourages you to do the same (if you haven't done so already)!  Our comments provide key recommendations aimed at protecting patient access and supporting the HME community.  VGM's Key Recommendations Include: CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Telehealth Support thumbnail CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Telehealth Support On April 2, 2025, a bipartisan group of 60 senators reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand patient access to telehealth services through Medicare while removing barriers to adoption. The bill would also make permanent the COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities currently set to expire Sept. 30. The lead sponsors of the bill are Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Barrasso (R-WY). [Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD thumbnail [Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD Watch below an important update from Ronda Burhmester, Sr. Director Payer Relations & Reimbursement, VGM & Associates, regarding non-invasive pressure ventilation. Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program “If the Competitive Bidding Program goes forward, it will be devastating—not just for providers like me but, most importantly, for the patients we serve,” said Jonathan Temple, owner of OxyMed LLC. You Got the Contract! Part 2: Maintaining It thumbnail You Got the Contract! Part 2: Maintaining It In our last article, we discussed the key provisions to be sure you know about your contract. It is critical to understand these provisions to help comply with the contract terms, fulfill your obligations as your business changes, and understand the payer's obligations and your rights under the contract. In this article we discuss some best practices for managing your contracts once you get them. Industry Uncertainty & Advocacy: What You Can Do Now thumbnail Industry Uncertainty & Advocacy: What You Can Do Now The proposed rule introduces broad structural changes without full clarity on implementation timelines or enforcement. Industry groups like VGM, AAHomecare, and CQRC are urging stakeholders to engage in advocacy to shape final rules. To prepare for the sweeping changes in the 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for DMEPOS, companies should take a multi-pronged strategic approach. Here is a breakdown of key preparation strategies: Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director thumbnail Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director The Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an individual with a passion for healthcare, industry advocacy, and association management. 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos thumbnail 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos The 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) introduces several significant changes that present both operational and financial challenges for DME companies.