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CMS Endorses Algorithmic Approach to PMD Documentation

Date Published: November 18 2014

CGS recently released a video that speaks to DME providers and physicians prescribing power mobility and explains the use of forms versus an algorithmic approach to obtaining pertinent information.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require physicians prescribing power mobility devices (PMD) to paint the picture of the patient's history and provide an objective physical examination to determine ambulatory needs. Forms are not a sufficient way of presenting this information because they often limit the narrative requirements. A thorough and focused algorithmic program, like DMEevalumate.com, that describes the patient's current condition, past history and provides additional pertinent information is preferred. 

Dr. Robert Hoover offers a no-nonsense look at documentation requirements for Power Mobility Devices from a practicing physician's perspective. This video is a collaboration of all DME MAC jurisdictions for the benefit of physicians who prescribe Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) CLICK HERE

CMS came out with guidance for the use of forms and more specifically templates around the same time they announced the new F2F rule. CMS recognizes that an electronic template, which is part of the electronic health records (EHR), is a good way to allow physicians to have a standard method of documenting a patient’s medical condition. “CMS encourages physicians who choose a template during the patient visit to select one that allows for a full and complete collection of information to demonstrate that the applicable coverage and coding criteria are met.” Medicare Program Integrity Manual (P.I.M.) 3.3.2.1.1.

Practitioners are prolific technology adopters when it makes their job easier. An online algorithmic electronic template, like DMEevalumate.com, is the best way to ensure a physician adequately addresses all the data points required during the F2F encounter. Most of the top reasons for durable medical equipment (DME) denials come from a F2F evaluation where a practitioner has not properly addressed a data point or question required by CMS. If practitioners do not know what CMS is looking for, it is very easy for them to skip over or omit specific information. DMEevalumate.com ensures all required information is addressed, taking the guesswork out of the process, and presented in a narrative format.

The new F2F rule does not have to mean more paperwork and time expended, it just means making sure physicians specifically document all the data points and questions CMS requires. Algorithmic electronic templates help accomplish this task.

This information is brought to you by Tips From The Trenches in response to questions from DMEevalumate.com subscribers. For more information call 800-986-9368 or email info@dmeevalumate.com.

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