There's an app for that
By Elizabeth Deprey
Updated Tue September 25, 2012
WASHINGTON - With the power mobility demo emphasizing proper documentation and CMS's electronic clinical template still in the relatively early stages, template programs can help, developers say.
Mobility Expert
Ron Manno, owner of Reliant Data Solutions, launched an iPad app in August that is intended to help document every step of providing a power mobility device.
The app, Mobility Expert, walks physicians through the documentation process and allows for photographs and videotaping. Photos and text are sent to the physician's email program, and videos sync with iTunes. Mobility providers can also use the app to keep track of repairs and outcomes through text, photos and video.
Interested users can download a free demo or buy the app at the iTunes App Store and can learn more about it at www.reliantds.com.
Manno isn't worried CMS will put him out of business.
“The Medicare template is not ready and won't be for some time,” he said.
The demo, on the other hand, is happening now, Manno said.
“The demo is causing a lot of anxiety,” he said. “Providers need to get documentation right the first time. That's the only way they're going to be able to make it.”
PMDRX
Since 2010, physicians have used the template program hosted at www.pmdrx.com to walk through all the steps of documenting the required face-to-face exam for power mobility devices. The free tool creates narratives from the open-ended questions physicians answer along the way.
Provider Gary Cox, president of Glendale, Ariz.-based All-Med Health Care and creator of PMDRX, says he's followed CMS's template discussion closely, and even shared information about PMDRX with CMS and made suggestions.
“We've been very transparent with CMS about our technology,” said Cox. “We plan to stay very engaged.”
Cox has also used CMS's proposed template data points to update PMDRX.
Will the CMS template replace PMDRX? No, says Cox.
“Medicare is creating guidelines about what they'd like to see in hopes that EHR vendors will incorporate them,” said Cox.
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