For years, power mobility providers have been advocating for Medicare to establish clear and objective coverage criteria and documentation requirements to assist physicians and clinicians in capturing the necessary elements in their medical records. This effort has increased due to the high audit activity that currently surrounds power wheelchairs, especially those coded K0823. Providers have…
A Real Opportunity for Complex Rehab to Move Ahead?
The complex rehab and mobility industry is starting 2012 in a better position than the previous year. The industry ended 2011 with some positive developments on the competitive bidding front, particularly in the complex rehab segment, and a delay in the Power Mobility Device demonstration project. While this year is an election year, and Congress…
Legislative Landscape for Complex Rehab in 2011
The complex rehab industry is starting 2011 in a much different legislative environment than it began 2010. The historic elections last November have ushered in a new Republican majority and leadership in the House, along with a slimmer majority in the Senate for the Democrats. The most noticeable change in the Senate from a healthcare…
Complex Rehab & Mobility Industry Post-Healthcare Reform
Now that the dust has settled on the healthcare reform law officially known as the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA), it’s time to review the law in detail and determine what it means for providers. The legislation presents challenges for the industry, but it’s important to remember that this is an election year, and…
Moving Forward in 2009
The rehab industry is starting 2009 in a much different place than where it began in 2008. Complex rehab has been permanently exempted from any future rounds of DME competitive bidding, but payment levels were reduced 9.5 percent in January. While 2009 promises to be a busy year filled with opportunities, it will also require…
What Lies Ahead for Complex Rehab in 2009 and Beyond…
This has certainly been a monumental year for the complex rehab industry. After years of advocating for an exemption from DME competitive bidding, the exemption became law on July 15. Unfortunately, Congress included complex rehab with the other items subject to competitive bidding that will incur a 9.5-percent payment reduction on January 1, 2009. While…