USA - HCFA Supplier Standards Problem

USA - HCFA Supplier Standards Problem

Ted A. Trower

11/19/2000

I've been reading over the new HCFA Supplier Standards and I think I've
found a large problem. Item 11 is as quoted below.

begin quote:

(11) Must agree not to contact a beneficiary by telephone when supplying a
Medicare-covered item unless one of the following applies:

(i) The individual has given written permission to the supplier to contact
him/her by telephone concerning the furnishing of a Medicare-covered item
that is to be rented or purchased.
(ii) The supplier has furnished a Medicare-covered item to the individual
and the supplier is contacting the individual to coordinate the delivery of
the item.
(iii) If the contact concerns the furnishing of a Medicare-covered item
other than a covered item already furnished to the individual, the supplier
has furnished at least one covered item to the individual during the
15-month period proceeding the date on which the supplier makes such contact.

end quote.

My concern is that, as I read this, there is no provision for me to contact
a new client at the physicians' or therapists' request unless I have
permission in writing from the client.

Must I either:

a) make all first contacts by mail or;

b) require all new clients to call me first or;

c) require my referral sources to obtain written permission for me?

I have to say that none of these options are practical in the real world.

Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?






Ted A. Trower C.P.O.
A-S-C Orthotics & Prosthetics
Jackson, MI, USA