Standardizing prefab L-Codes
Randy McFarland
Description
Collection
Title:
Standardizing prefab L-Codes
Creator:
Randy McFarland
Date:
1/3/2006
Text:
Hi List members,
Is anyone aware if a master list exists of L codes (at least for
prefabricated items) used in our profession? Some manufacturers have
asked the AOPA L-Coding committee to render an opinion as to
recommended L-Codes for their products. Other manufacturers offer
documentation from SADMERC to verify what codes can be used. Some
manufacturers are reluctant to even make suggestions.
While I can understand that coding for some custom devices could be
subject to interpretation, it seems that most prefabricated devices
(unless significantly altered to modify the original functions) should
be subject to universally agreed upon L-Codes.
Not doing this opens us up to additional scrutiny when payers
wonder about the variety of billings from our profession for the same
items. As we've seen, unethical billing practices (even from outside
our profession) negatively impacts us through mistrust and skepticism.
If the O and P profession would get on the same page regarding the
prefabricated items we fit, outsiders who try to abuse the coding system
will be more easily identified when pay sources perform audits of
L-Codes we commonly provide.
Ultimately a cross-referencing of prefab products to our fee
schedule would be a time saver and would help billings from our
industry/profession be more consistent and trusted.
I'll post responses!
Happy New Year!
Randy McFarland, CPO
Fullerton, CA
If your reply to me comes back undeliverable, please forward that
error message to our IT guy, Bruce.
His E mail is: <Email Address Redacted>
Is anyone aware if a master list exists of L codes (at least for
prefabricated items) used in our profession? Some manufacturers have
asked the AOPA L-Coding committee to render an opinion as to
recommended L-Codes for their products. Other manufacturers offer
documentation from SADMERC to verify what codes can be used. Some
manufacturers are reluctant to even make suggestions.
While I can understand that coding for some custom devices could be
subject to interpretation, it seems that most prefabricated devices
(unless significantly altered to modify the original functions) should
be subject to universally agreed upon L-Codes.
Not doing this opens us up to additional scrutiny when payers
wonder about the variety of billings from our profession for the same
items. As we've seen, unethical billing practices (even from outside
our profession) negatively impacts us through mistrust and skepticism.
If the O and P profession would get on the same page regarding the
prefabricated items we fit, outsiders who try to abuse the coding system
will be more easily identified when pay sources perform audits of
L-Codes we commonly provide.
Ultimately a cross-referencing of prefab products to our fee
schedule would be a time saver and would help billings from our
industry/profession be more consistent and trusted.
I'll post responses!
Happy New Year!
Randy McFarland, CPO
Fullerton, CA
If your reply to me comes back undeliverable, please forward that
error message to our IT guy, Bruce.
His E mail is: <Email Address Redacted>
Citation
Randy McFarland, “Standardizing prefab L-Codes,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/226077.
