Washington

All four durable medical equipment regional carriers have released a new proposed regional medical review policy for oxygen and oxygen equipment.

According to the American Association for Homecare, the revised policy requires retesting for Group I home oxygen patients between the 61st and 90th days of coverage.

The recertification requirement might be problematic according to Alexandria, Va.-based AAHomecare. “AAHomecare is particularly concerned about the impact this new policy may have on beneficiaries seeking to obtain recertification given the documented lack of access to and extensive waiting periods for oximetry testing,” the association said in a release. “In addition, AAHomecare will be working with state associations and physician and beneficiary groups to submit comments and to testify at public meetings.”

At press time, in mid-August, only DMERC B and DMERC D had posted the new policy initiative on their Web sites and are soliciting comments from manufacturers, suppliers and other professionals.

For breaking news, go to www.homecaremonday.com, the electronic news service of the home medical equipment industry.