CMS Releases Info on New Oxygen CMN

BALTIMORE — Through a
listserv message from the DME MACs last week, CMS released
information on the use of certificates of medical necessity related
to its new oxygen rules.

According to the message, there are four situations in which a
new 36-month rental period can begin and a new initial CMN is
required: the initial use of home oxygen; resuming use after a
break in medical necessity during the 36-month rental period for at
least 60 days; replacement because the patient has reached the
five-year reasonable useful lifetime; and replacement due to
irreparable damage, theft or loss of equipment.

CMS reminded providers that a written order is required when
replacing equipment, and said the CMN can serve as a substitute for
a written order if it meets the requirements for a detailed written
order.

The changes will be incorporated in a future revision of the
oxygen LCD, the announcement said.

View a
PDF of the full message on the Jurisdiction A (NHIC) Web
site.