AAHomeCare Update
Proof of Service
To ensure providers across the HME sector are able to recoup the fees for services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries, it takes collaboration among every health care professional in the continuum of care and attention to the small details. But receiving accurate payment is only a fraction of the issue. Proof of services rendered is equally important. This is true for items ranging from diabetic testing supplies to rehabilitation and assistive technology and oxygen therapy.
From the physician who initially diagnoses the beneficiary to the providers and therapists who each have a hand in treatment, all must communicate and be educated on the steps necessary to ensure the best quality of care. This coordination includes documentation, an essential piece in allowing professionals to be recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for rendered services.
Paperwork required by Medicare is a significant problem for home care providers. In the case of glucose testing supplies, members of AAHomecare's report there is a serious and constant concern regarding the lack of suitable physician documentation. In early February, the Council sent a letter to the four DME MAC medical directors asking for a “Dear Physician” letter regarding the Medicare coverage criteria for glucose testing supplies and recommended documentation for the medical records of beneficiaries.
According to the letter, “the lack of suitable physician documentation directly harms access to critical diabetes management and prescribed supplies … We believe that a ‘Dear Physician’ letter from all DME MAC medical directors addressed to clinicians caring for Medicare patients would provide immense assistance in our ongoing educational efforts regarding the Medicare coverage of diabetes testing supplies as well as setting standards for documentation of diabetes management and testing frequency.”
