The SCOOTER Store Equipment Repairs

(Jan. 22, 2014)—The Jan. 16 edition of MLN Connects included the following statement: “Effective October 24, 2013, The Scooter Store (TSS) transferred titles to capped durable medical equipment (DME) rented to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare beneficiaries now own this equipment. Medicare can pay for repairs to this equipment performed on or after Oct. 24, 2013, if the contractor determines that the repairs are reasonable and necessary in accordance with Medicare regulations and program instructions.” The statement seems to indicate that providers can choose to repair The SCOOTER Store chairs even though they have not capped since the title was transferred. Providers need to be aware that patients still need to meet all Medicare requirements, including medical necessity, in order for the repair to be covered.