AAHomecare emphasizes need for template in PMD demo

The American Association for Homecare last week released an issue paper on the Medicare power mobility device demonstration project, and emphasized the need for a clinical template allowing physicians to complete and document their face-to-face examination of patients.

“We urge lawmakers to contact CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner to request that the agency allow physicians to use a template to document medical necessity,’’ AAHomecare said in a release last week. “Without a template, the error rate found in the PMD sector will not decrease, and Medicare beneficiaries will not receive appropriate mobility assistive devices for use at home. A paper template can serve as a bridge between the start of the demonstration and the implementation of an electronic health record process for PMDs.”

AAHomecare has been working with key members of Congress on the demonstration project, which will last three years and subject all Medicare power mobility claims in seven states to prior authorization.

CMS says the project will begin after it completes requirement for the Paperwork Reduction Act this summer. CMS says it will give providers 30 days’ notice before starting the demonstration.

AAHomecare’s position paper is available on the organization’s website.