COLUMBIA, S.C.--The SADMERC's 23-page Power Mobility Device Coding Guidelines released last week provided the industry with descriptions of CMS' 64 new power wheelchair and scooter codes (see HomeCare Monday, June 5).

While stakeholders said they were pleased with most of the new details, they are still awaiting the release of additional documentation to understand the full impact of the new codes.

"I think it's a pretty good document. I'm actually impressed with the thoroughness," said Simon Margolis, vice president of Franklin, Tenn.-based National Seating & Mobility. "It begins to fill in some of our questions, and I think the real missing issue now is the [local coverage determination]."

Cara Bachenheimer, vice president, government relations for Elyria, Ohio-based Invacare Corp., said that "in general, the code structure appears good. While the PMD code companion document provides significantly more details regarding the code specifications, it is still difficult to make an assessment in the absence of the yet-to-be released DMERC medical policies and the fee schedules relating to the new codes," she said.

Bachenheimer did note one part of the document, however, that has caused some unease: "We are quite concerned about the new requirement that independent testing labs perform the testing when we have already invested in extensive testing apparatus, and will need to continue to conduct internal testing for non-Medicare purposes. This will only add unnecessary costs to the system."

According to the guidance document, manufacturers will have at least one year to retest devices in an independent testing facility, using the SADMERC's new testing criteria.

Margolis said the requirement is unrealistic, and that the cost would be exorbitant for manufacturers.

"That's a significant problem. There aren't enough independent labs in the country to test [this equipment]," he said, adding that most major manufacturers already have their own testing facilities. "I don't see the point of forcing manufacturers to go to a lab that would be less sophisticated than their own."

Margolis suggested the possibility of certifying manufacturers' labs, and said he hoped "we'll be able to figure out ways to make an acceptable compromise for the industry."

Test details will be published in an upcoming notice, the SADMERC said.

This is the third time within the past two years that the mobility codes have been reworked. With 61 specific codes for power mobility devices and three additional miscellaneous codes, this new code set is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.

To view the new coding guidelines, click here.