Rehab

CMS issues draft policy for wheelchair coverage

Rehab Regs, February 10, 2005

Last week CMS released draft Medicare coverage criteria for power wheelchairs and scooters, according to PT Bulletin Online. The criteria eliminates the "bed or chair confinement" requirement in favor of clinical guidance to determine if a beneficiary needs a device to improve mobility. It also contains restrictions limiting coverage to beneficiaries who need assistance in their homes, but expands the number of billing codes from five to 49, in an effort to ensure more detailed and appropriate payment, reported the Bulletin. Comments on the proposed criteria will be accepted until March 7. CMS expects to publish a final coverage determination later that month, and will be holding an Open Door Forum on the topic on February 24.

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