Program_Memos / 2002 / B-02-014

Why This Topic Matters

The memorandum addresses how Medicare contractors were expected to handle emergency reserve dialysis supplies after a change in coding and billing structure. It is useful for understanding the scope of the policy update, the affected HCPCS items, and the implementation timeline that shaped claims processing.

Article Sections

1. Scope

   Introduces the purpose of the memorandum and the systems area affected by the change.

2. Background

   Summarizes the Medicare home dialysis setting, the Method I and Method II supply arrangements, and the operational context for emergency reserve supplies.

3. Policy

   Describes the general payment policy framework and the systems coordination expected for emergency reserve supply processing.

4. Implementation

   Outlines the contractor and systems actions required, including the affected HCPCS items, timing, claims handling, and related processing instructions.

5. Provider Education

   Addresses how contractors were instructed to communicate the change to suppliers and through scheduled outreach channels.