Medicare Service Refusal

[vsheline]

not sure what your point is. that is still the coverage for cpap rather than asv.

It is the same. https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educat ... 905064.pdf

Hi Mike1953,

Bilevel machines which have the "Backup Rate" feature (like ASV and ST therapy modes) have a different reimbursement code and have additional requirements for coverage.

I don't remember the precise requirements, but (from memory) the USA Medicare requirements for coverage of a machine with a backup respiration rate for treating central events are approximately as listed below:

1. The doctor must obtain preauthorization for a special ASV or ST titration. Obtaining preauthorization will require documentation that central apnea events are occurring at a rate of at least 5 per hour when the patient is using standard 'PAP therapy to treat obstructive events, and the central events are the dominant remaining problem. That is, when treated by standard 'PAP machine central events outnumber obstructive events, and the CAI is, all by itself, at least 5.

2. The ASV or ST titration must identify pressure settings at which the ASV therapy or ST therapy adequately prevents/treats the problem.

If any of the requirements are not met then I think Medicare will not cover any of the costs for the machine and supplies until all requirements are met.

If one has financial resources to purchase machine and supplies out of pocket, then only the doctor's prescription is needed.

[Mike1953]

not sure what your point is. that is still the coverage for cpap rather than asv.

It is the same. https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educat ... 905064.pdf

Hi Mike1953,

Bilevel machines which have the "Backup Rate" feature (like ASV and ST therapy modes) have a different reimbursement code and have additional requirements for coverage.

I am not sure what are the exact requirements, but (from memory) the requirements are approximately as listed below:

1. The doctor must obtain preauthorization for a special ASV or ST titration. Obtaining preauthorization will require documentation that central apnea events are occurring at a rate of at least 5 per hour when the patient is using standard 'PAP therapy to treat obstructive events, and the central events are the dominant remaining problem. That is, when treated by standard 'PAP machine central events outnumber obstructive events, and the CAI is, all by itself, at least 5.

2. The ASV or ST titration must identify pressure settings at which the ASV therapy or ST therapy adequately treats/prevents the problem.

If the requirements are not met then I think Medicare will not cover any of the costs for the machine and supplies until the requirements are met.

If one has financial resources to purchase machine and supplies out of pocket, then only the doctor's prescription is needed.

Which is exactly what I have posted. Medicare may cover it
if you meet in person with your doctor, and your doctor
documents in your medical record that the CPAP therapy is
helping you. It is all in the paperwork trail and someone has not completed it properly. I say again, it is just that simple. Paperwork must be done properly.

[vsheline]

Which is exactly what I have posted.

Hi Mike1953,

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educat ... 905064.pdf is an abbreviated web address which does not work.

(When posting a link, best to copy the full address from the browser address bar.)

Edit:
A working link is
https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educati...905064.pdf

But the article only talks about requirements for coverage of machines for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

I did a quick search but was unable to find the exact requirements for coverage of machines with a backup respiration rate needed for treatment of central or complex sleep apnea.

[surferdude2]

I think it is supposed to be this:

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educati...905064.pdf

edit: Looks like you already got it.

[vsheline]

I did a quick search but was unable to find the exact requirements for coverage of machines with a backup respiration rate needed for treatment of central or complex sleep apnea.

I think this covers the full requirements for a "E0471" device (meaning a device with a backup rate). Rather dense hard-to-follow language in some spots, though.

http://www.medicarenhic.com/viewdoc.aspx?id=2826

[Mike1953]

And for the last time OP's doctor needs to word the paperwork exactly to what is needed for the OP or Medicare will not cover it. Which is again what I have posted several times. Good night, Good morning or what ever time zone your in.