H1N1 Repeat: CDC, CMS Getting Ready

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control has devised a range of
resources to help HME providers and others prepare for an expected
resurgence of the so-called swine flu at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/. The list includes
guidance for clinicians, patients, businesses and schools.

As of Friday, the CDC reported 8,842 hospitalizations and 555
deaths from the H1N1 virus in 51 U.S. states and territories.

Government health officials have said that under a worst-case
scenario, the spread of H1N1 could infect half of the country’s
population, lead to 1.8 million hospitalizations and up to 90,000
deaths during the impending flu season this year. H1N1 infections
are expected to peak in mid-October. (For more, see Another Run on Masks?)

For additional resources on H1N1, see www.flu.gov.

For a flu widget, see www.cdc.gov.

CMS also has issued information on Medicare fee-for-service
policies and procedures in an H1N1 flu pandemic or other public
health emergency or disaster.

The 22-page document addresses issues surrounding H1N1
vaccination, waivers of requirements in an emergency or disaster
and general disaster payment and billing procedures.

In a Q&A section on DMEPOS, the document said payment would
be made for equipment that is repaired or replaced during a
disaster-related “disruptive event,” and that Medicare will pay for
portable oxygen necessary to transport beneficiaries. Will CMS
cover the cost of a generator for medical needs? No, according to
the document, because Medicare does not have the authority to pay
for generators even though they may be used to power durable
medical equipment.

The agency also said there is no Medicare benefit category that
would allow for separate coverage of a surgical mask, even if
prescribed by a physician, to prevent the spread of infectious
diseases.

Read the entire CMS’ emergency policy and procedures
document.