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In brief: Re-supply guidance released, NRRTS pushes bill

In brief: Re-supply guidance released, NRRTS pushes bill

BALTIMORE - As promised, the four CMS medical directors have released an FAQ on re-supplies. CMS announced in a June bulletin that items that need periodic replacement, like CPAP supplies, must be non-functioning. That led to numerous questions from providers about the policy and how to comply with it. The 15-question document attempts to explain the policy and answer questions like, why the documentation guidelines are so vague (to give suppliers discretion) and what "non-functional" means (the item is no longer able to be used safely or effectively). Read the FAQ here: http://www.cgsmedicare.com/jc/pubs/news/2012/0812/Cope19781.html

CMS: 'Welcome to the Round 1 Recompete'

BALTIMORE - The first in a series of webcasts for the Round 1 re-compete has been posted to the CBIC website, www.dmecompetitivebid.com. The webcast, “Welcome to the Round 1 Recompete,” provides background information on the program and highlights educational resources available to assist bidders. It's available on-demand 24/7. To view the webcast, go to the website, select Round 1 Recompete/Education Information/Education Events. Future webcasts will review topics like how to submit a bid and how a bid is evaluated.

National complex rehab conference announced

ARLINGTON, Va. - NCART and NRRTS will combine CELA, the National Medicaid Summit and a new CRT Leadership Day into a three-day conference April 30-May 2, 2013 in Arlington, Va. The National CRT Leadership and Advocacy Conference will offer business presentations and breakout sessions, advocacy strategies on the state Medicaid level and a trip to Capitol Hill to advocate for complex rehab.

NRRTS seeks signatures

WALSENBURG, Colo. - When NRRTS board members hit the Hill Sept. 12, they want the strength of 5,000 signatures behind them. A petition in support of H.R. 4378, which would create a separate benefit for complex rehab, currently has nearly 4,000 signatures. Stakeholders hope bumping up the signature count, as well as getting interested parties to email lawmakers seeking support, will help complex rehab discussions "resonate." Stakeholders can both email Congress and sign the petition at www.access2crt.org.

Noridian offers demo webcast

FARGO, N.D. - Noridian Administrative Services, the Jurisdiction D DME MAC, will offer a 60-minute web-based workshop on the seven-state power mobility device demonstration project Sept. 26. The contractor will review information about the demonstration and basic coverage information. More details about the webcast are available at www.noridianmedicare.com.

Short takes: Brightree, VGM

Brightree announced Aug. 29 that it has deployed new call scripts that are delivered to patients through Brightree Interactive Voice, a patient contact management system that automatically calls patients and records their responses to resupply inquiries. Brightree made the change in response to new Medicare guidelines for supply replenishment…This year's VGM Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament raised $69,423 for North Star Community Services, a Waterloo, Iowa-based agency that assists people with disabilities who want to live and work in their communities. Because VGM underwrites all golf and dinner costs, 100% of donations go to the agency.

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