Downsize Those DSOs

HCPCS Code K0108
(Wheelchair component or accessory, not otherwise specified)

Average Medicare DSO

146 days

“Prior to using K0108 on your claims, contact the SADMERC to check to see if a HCPC has been assigned to that specific item. If so, it will save you the aggravation of billing with the K0108 miscellaneous code,” recommends reimbursement consultant Sarah Hanna, vice president of Tiffin, Ohio-based ECS Billing & Consulting (www.ecsbilling.com). When billing this code, she says, supply as much information as possible in the HAO record on the CMN that is sent electronically with the claim. “A description of the medical need for this accessory, information from the manufacturer about the item and justification as to why this particular accessory is needed should be included,” Hanna continues. “However, you are limited as to the number of characters you can put in the HAO record, so if you have numerous accessories with the K0108 code, you may be relegated to gaining reimbursement through the claim development process or your company's internal denial management process.” To speed up reimbursement, stay on top of the claims, Hanna suggests. “In order to decrease the DSO, work the denials and file the reviews within one week of their receipt,” she says. “Do not allow these denials to sit on the back burner. Provide all manufacturer and medical justification to prove the need for the accessories. Notes from the patient's physical or occupational therapist are also helpful when proving medical necessity.”

Data represents a categorized and weighted analysis of approximately 887,000 Medicare paid claim lines adjudicated by the four DMERCs between July 1 and July 31, 2005, and processed for RemitDATA customers. Figures reflect the average number of days elapsed from date of service to Medicare check issue date. Source: RemitDATA, 866/885-2974, www.remitdata.com