Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2005 Issue 7
Compliance: Ordering DME Becomes Easier - But More Fraught With Danger
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This compliance-focused article explains recent CMS-related changes affecting how physicians order durable medical equipment and why those changes may increase documentation and audit risk. It is aimed at physicians, office managers, compliance staff, and DME suppliers who need to understand broader ordering processes, recordkeeping expectations, and office-level controls without relying on detailed paperwork checklists. The article also touches on future directions such as electronic ordering and the operational impact of new wheelchair-related coding changes.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers assess whether their office procedures, documentation, and internal controls are prepared for changing Medicare ordering practices and potential audit exposure.
Article Sections
-
Improvement
Summarizes CMS-related changes intended to simplify ordering workflows for durable medical equipment and reduce administrative steps for providers.
-
Drawback
Describes the compliance concerns that may accompany simplified paperwork, including increased emphasis on medical record support and audit activity.
-
New Forms
Covers supplier-created forms, ordering documentation considerations, and the possibility that newer electronic processes may follow.
-
Set Up Controls In Your Office
Explains the need for internal office controls, delegation limits, and coordination between medical records and equipment orders.
-
The Bottom Line
Closes with a high-level compliance warning about physician responsibility, monitoring, and fraud risk tied to durable medical equipment ordering.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS-related changes may affect durable medical equipment ordering workflows
- Why documentation and medical necessity support remain important
- What operational issues physician offices should review when handling equipment orders
- How internal controls and record reconciliation can support compliance
- Why future electronic ordering developments may matter for office processes
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Medical office managers
- Compliance officers
- Billing staff
- DME suppliers
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com