NAAOP Helps Lead Effort to Rescind SADMERC Add on Code Policy

NAAOP

Description

Title:

NAAOP Helps Lead Effort to Rescind SADMERC Add on Code Policy

Creator:

NAAOP

Date:

1/10/2004

Text:

SADMERC to Rescind Policy on Prefabricated Orthoses Add On Codes

NAAOP is pleased to report that its efforts, and the efforts of other O&P
organizations, to challenge the SADMERC's recent coding decision regarding
add on codes have been successful. NAAOP has verbally confirmed that the
SADMERC will rescind its policy prohibiting the use of add on orthotic codes
in conjunction with prefabricated orthotic base codes. This represents a
clear victory for NAAOP and the O&P community in maintaining quality
orthotic care.

Officials with the SADMERC stated during a recent conference call that A
formal article rescinding the advisory is forthcoming and a clarification
letter will be issued in the next publication cycle. Pursuant to this
statement, the advisory was removed from the SADMERC website and the SADMERC
will continue to work on this issue and make recommendations to add on codes
where appropriate.

On December 23, 2003, NAAOP wrote to the SADMERC and DMERC Medical
Directors, stating that the new coding clarification policy would
adversely impact practitioners and the Medicare program, and would deprive
patients of necessary options that enhance the comfort, stability, and,
most-importantly, function of orthoses.

Not only does the action by the SADMERC to rescind the advisory elimination
the immediate reimbursement impact of the decision, it also eliminates the
need to challenge the process in which the coding advisory was issued. The
SADMERC originally issues this advisory without following proper notice and
comment procedures. Had the coding advisory been allowed to stand,
additional policies may have been issued in the future using the same flawed
procedure and averting proper notice and comment guidelines.

Please join NAAOP today to ensure that we are able to remain active and
vigilant on behalf of the O&P community. Please contact NAAOP at (800)
622-6740 or on the web at <URL Redacted>


Visit our web site at www.oandp.com/naaop
Come share YOUR view! Government Relations is what WE do!

                          

Citation

NAAOP, “NAAOP Helps Lead Effort to Rescind SADMERC Add on Code Policy,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 21, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/222340.