All there is to know about the elimination of the first-month purchase option?

With the first-month purchase option for standard power wheelchairs scheduled to be eliminated Jan. 1, you might want to review what little guidance CMS and its contractors have released about the change. The FAQ below was published in November.

Power Wheelchair Rental - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When standard power wheelchairs (PWCs) are provided on a rental basis, can they be covered for short term indications?

No. The change in the payment policy status for power wheelchair does not change the policy statement that PWCs are not covered for patients with short term, reversible conditions.

Q2. How will the "look back" period affect the review of PWCs?

There is a general policy that coverage of items that are provided on an ongoing basis, including rented DME, is dependent on there being continued need for the item and continued use by the beneficiary. CMS and the DME MACs have not published any information regarding the look back period.

Q3. A PWC is being rented and the beneficiary goes into a hospital and nursing home for an extended stay. The supplier elects to pick up the wheelchair. When the beneficiary is ready to go back home, would there be a problem with providing a different model wheelchair within the same HCPCS code?

If the supplier chooses to deliver a different model of PWC within the same code, a new detailed product description must be obtained. A new face-to-face (FTF) examination or 7-element order is not needed.

Q4. If a patient who is renting a PWC moves, is a new in-home assessment required?

No

Q5. If a patient with a PWC moves and their new home will no longer accommodate the PWC that they have, will Medicare pay for a new PWC?

No. Medicare covers a replacement only if an item is lost, stolen, irreparably damaged, or reaches the 5 year reasonable useful lifetime. Medicare covers a different item only if there is a change in the beneficiary's medical condition.

Q6. If a patient who is renting a PWC goes into a hospital/nursing home for an extended time and the supplier picks up the wheelchair and the beneficiary is discharged to home, would a new capped rental period start and what documentation would be required?

Standard capped rental rules for beginning a new rental period will apply to power wheelchairs. That policy states that a new capped rental period will begin only if there has been a break in medical necessity of at least 60 days plus the days remaining in the last paid rental month. In the situation that is described, "medical necessity" would continue while the patient was in a facility. If the patient is receiving the same type of PWC (same code) on discharge that they previously had, then the rental period resumes where it left off and no additional documentation is needed (other than a new detailed product description if the make/model of the wheelchair has changed). If the patient needs a different type of PWC on discharge because of a change in their medical condition, all the requirements for a new PWC must be met (i.e., FTF exam, 7-element order, etc.).

Q7. If, during a capped rental period, a PWC is lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged and a new PWC is provided, does a new CR period start?

Yes. Replacement of power wheelchairs will follow the same rules as any other rented DME item.

Q8. Is there any situation in which a supplier can be paid for repair to a PWC during a capped period - e.g., if the supplier has information to indicate that the repair is required due to "malicious damage" or "culpable neglect" by the beneficiary?

There can be no payment for the repair of rented items under any circumstances. Reimbursement for repairs is included in the rental payments. If the supplier believes that a wheelchair repair is required because of malicious damage or culpable neglect by the beneficiary, the supplier can present the information to the DME MAC for investigation. If the DME MAC, in consultation with the CMS, agrees that the beneficiary is responsible for the damage, the supplier can charge the beneficiary.

Liz Beaulieu