CMS Modifies Wheelchair Product Category for Round 2

Product categories for Round 2 of competitive bidding are similar to those used in Round 1, but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced last Wednesday that is was bowing to industry pressure and excluding one type of wheelchair and two accessories.

“After consideration of feedback from stakeholders, CMS has removed ultra lightweight manual wheelchairs, gimbaled ventilator trays and push activated power assist devices from the standard wheelchair product category for Round 2,’’ according to a Fact Sheet released with competitive bidding materials. “CMS expects to phase in these items in a future round.”

Mobility industry advocates had asked that seven product codes be exempted from the competitive bidding program. CMS removed three, and the four that weren’t removed are listed as specialty skin protection and positioning adjustable wheelchair cushions (E2622‐E2625).

Meanwhile, product categories for Round 2 are:

• Oxygen, oxygen equipment and supplies.
• Standard (power and manual) wheelchairs, scooters and related accessories.
• Enteral nutrients, equipment and supplies.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, respiratory assist devices (RADs) and related supplies and accessories.
• Hospital beds and related accessories.
• Walkers and related accessories.
• Negative pressure wound therapy pumps and related supplies and accessories.
• Support surfaces (Group 2 mattresses and overlays).

Registration for Round 2 begins today, and the 60-day bid window is scheduled to open on Jan. 30. CMS also launched an education program to guide suppliers through the competitive bidding process.

Information is available here.