CMS updates: Hurricane relief, oxygen NCD
By HME News Staff
Updated Wed September 2, 2020
The Department of Health and Human Services last week declared public health emergencies in Louisiana and Texas due to Hurricane Laura, opening the door for CMS to then extend a number of waivers to health care providers. For medical equipment and supplies, CMS has suspended certain requirements necessary for Medicare beneficiaries who have lost or realized damage to their DME, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies as a result of the PHE…CMS has initiated a review of the national coverage determination for oxygen, according to AAHomecare. The agency says the review, titled “National Coverage Analysis Tracking Sheet for Home Use of Oxygen and Home Oxygen Use to Treat Cluster Headaches,” was initiated due to a formal request to reconsider coverage of the home use of oxygen for cluster headaches. CMS also stated the current public health emergency has prompted it to review NCD 240.2 to ensure patient access isn't compromised during and after the PHE. AAHomecare says NCD 240.2 hasn't been updated since April 1999. CMS is accepting public comments on the review until Sept. 16.
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