Medicare-tight lipped- RESPONSES

Medicare-tight lipped- RESPONSES

Randall McFarland, CPO

Here's the original post:
A few months back I was looking into becoming part of the Medicare
Therapeutic shoe program, I called Medicare to determine who else in my area
was currently in the program so I could decide if there's a need. They
refused to divulge that information to me because I was a provider.
    I already knew that Medicare is secretive about if a client has already
received a same or similar device, but I didn't realize that this also
needs to be secret information. What a way to demonstrate cooperation to
those who are providing services to their beneficiaries!
Randy McFarland, CPO

Here are the responses:
     I am a supplier of shoes that are reimbursable under the TSB, under the
Advance brand which I sell through several distributors. In talking to the
distributors and also practitioners at meetings, the sentiment seems to be
that if you are treating diabetics you should be involved as a provider. It
really doesn't matter who else in the area is doing it, but it is more the
question of whether your practice is sending these patients elsewhere to
fulfill their footwear and diabetic insole needs. On the other hand, I
certainly have talked to some people who do not want to get involved at all
in footwear.
Buzz Cutler
SoleTech, Inc.

It is unfortunate Medicare has such little regard for providers.
Your experience is of no surprise taking in to account their current
witch hunt that has placed a tremendous burden on providers. It is
absurd to hold providers responsible for proper documentation of
medical necessity by physicians. This is just the latest example of the
long arm of the government!
Does anyone remember the Balanced Budget Act of 1997?
If so does anyone remember the PPS and what it did to nursing homes,
skilled facilities, rehab units and home health agencies?
Has anyone heard of the completive bidding that is underway?
There is trouble on the horizon.