02/09/2024

DME MACs Streamline Ordering Process for PAP and RAD Supplies

'Dear Physician Letter' is Effective 2/01/24

Source:  AAHomecare Alert 2/08/24

Today, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) Medical Directors published updated Medicare guidelines regarding positive airway pressure (PAP) and respiratory assist device (RAD) supplies.

In the Dear Physician Letter, the DME MACs provided guidelines on completing the Standard Written Order (SWO) for supplies, emphasizing key elements such as beneficiary information, order date, description of the item, treating practitioner details, and signature. Notably, physicians are encouraged to use general descriptions like "CPAP Mask" or "Mask – Fit to Comfort" to accommodate mask variations without requiring a new SWO for each change.

This flexibility not only reduces administrative burdens but also ensures patients receive the most suitable masks and supplies without delays. By streamlining paperwork, healthcare providers and DMEPOS suppliers can focus on patient care. 

AAHomecare thanks the DME MAC Medical Directors for these guidelines to simplify the ordering process for PAP and RAD supplies. AAHomecare also would like to thank volunteer leadership from DME MAC Jurisdiction Councils and AAHomecare’s HME/RT Council and Regulatory Council who have advocated for this change. 

See the DME MAC letter to physicians for more details.

UPDATE 2/09/24! The effective date of the "Dear Physician Letters" is 2/01/24.

**OAMES appreciate the efforts of our national and regional organizations that we support through membership to successfully obtain this administrative relief to better serve Medicare recipients nationwide.