Confusion about Physician Letters

Confusion about Physician Letters

Jim DeWees

9/18/2012

Hello Again list members, Today, I watched the NAAOP video this morning that Peter Thomas made sometime this month of September. In this video, he states that CMS has written a proposal which will mean that it is NOT requiring the Physician documentation for O&P. But he does go on and state that he has heard from prosthetists that during any RAC audit, they DO require that there are chart notes from the physician that will support the claims for the amputees, their functional levels, etc. If this is true, and this proposal is passed and becomes the NEW rule that CMS implements, that will be a good thing, which will cut out one of the many steps that any prosthetist must now take to provide quality service to the amputees. But, we have copies, which are found easily online, of the CMS Dear Physician letter, which spells out why the physicians are now being required to document everything, and this is directly from CMS. This would have to be stricken from the CMS guidelines, and also make sure that the RAC auditors are also aware of this, and follow these NEW RULES. Personally, I cannot bet my entire business and time spent at work, on some proposed legislation, or rules. And, even when it is announced, how long will this new rule be in place, until they change it again, requiring physician's notes. I don't know what to believe at this point. I have NOT heard anything official that says we don't have to make sure that the physicians are writing their chart notes. On a bigger note, there is the legislation being passed around DC now, HR 1958, S 773, and a couple others, which specifically states that the TREATING PHYSICIANS will evaluate the amputees, and they will make the decision on exact components that will be used on amputees. It is my understanding that our Alliance which includes NAAOP involvement. It is my understanding that our alliance is totally in favor of the physicians writing the chart notes and being in charge of prosthetic care. The comments and video seem to state that they are happy with the fact that CMS might NOT require physicians to be in charge. BUT the legistlation proposed by OUR professional leading organzations is quite the opposite. Can someone help me undestand this better? I am really confused at what we are trying to accomplish here. Thanks Jim DeWees, CP