A joint DME-MAC article has been revised to reflect clarifications on Medicare coding and coverage requirements for ventilators in the Frequent and Substantial Servicing (FSS) payment category and to remove ventilator codes that were retired effective January 1, 2016.

Ventilator technology has evolved to the point where it is possible to have a single device capable of operating in numerous modes, from basic continuous positive pressure (CPAP and bi-level PAP) to traditional pressure and volume ventilator modes. This creates the possibility that one piece of equipment may be able to replace numerous and different pieces of equipment. Equipment with multifunction capability creates the possibility of errors in claims submitted for these items. This article will discuss the application of Medicare proper coding and payment rules for ventilators.

HCPCS Coding

Effective for claims with DOS on or after January 1, 2016, all products classified as ventilators must be billed using one of the following HCPCS codes:

E0465 – HOME VENTILATOR, ANY TYPE, USED WITH INVASIVE INTERFACE, (E.G., TRACHEOSTOMY TUBE)
E0466 – HOME VENTILATOR, ANY TYPE, USED WITH NON-INVASIVE INTERFACE, (E.G., MASK, CHEST SHELL)

Products previously assigned to HCPCS codes E0450 and E0463 must use HCPCS code E0465. Products previously assigned to HCPCS codes E0460, E0461 and E0464 must use HCPCS code E0466. The PDAC will update the product classification listing in a future update.

Suppliers are reminded that the payment policy requirements for the FSS payment category prohibits FSS payment for devices used to deliver continuous and/or intermittent positive airway pressure, regardless of the illness treated by the device. (Social Security Act 1834(a)(3)(A)) This means that products currently classified as HCPCS code E0465 or E0466 when used to provide CPAP or bi-level PAP (with or without backup rate) therapy, regardless of the underlying medical condition, may not be paid in the FSS payment category. General principles of correct coding require that products assigned to a specific HCPCS code only be billed using the assigned code. Thus, using the HCPCS codes for CPAP (E0601) or bi-level PAP (E0470, E0471) devices for a ventilator (E0465, E0466) used to provide CPAP or bi-level PAP therapy is incorrect coding. Claims for ventilators billed using the CPAP or bi-level PAP device HCPCS codes will be denied as incorrect coding.

Suppliers are encouraged to be sure that the correct category of product is provided and billed to avoid errors in HCPCS coding.

Get the full story at cgsmedicare.com