Confusion Surrounds Medicare Wheelchair Policies; AAHomecare Sponsors Workshop And Webinar To Find Answers

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 22 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Even though the Medicare National Coverage Determination for Mobility Related Equipment was revamped in 2005, many providers and suppliers continue to be perplexed by complex policy requirements and strict protocols for physician and clinician documentation using the algorithmic approach to qualify the appropriate level of Mobility Assistive Equipment (MAE). Additionally, recent audit outcomes in Jurisdiction A and B highlight the need for targeted education to insure future provider and supplier compliance.

The American Association for Homecare is jointly sponsoring a workshop and online webinar with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center called "Best Practices and Clinical Documentation for Mobility Assistive Equipment" on May 29, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The workshop will take place at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa.

"This is the first national program on MAE documentation to take participants through a virtual physician evaluation and clinical assessment documentation process," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare.

Dr. Paul Hughes, medical director for Region A of the National Health Information Center, will present, along with Dr. Brad Dicianno, medical director of the Center for Assistive Technology and assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Other speakers include Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, instructor and director of the Continuing Education Program in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as Georgie Blackburn, vice president of government relations and legislative affairs for BLACKBURN'S and rehab team leader for the Jurisdiction A durable medical equipment Medicare administrative contractor Advisory Council to Dr. Paul Hughes.

The registration fee of $250 per person includes CME or CEU credits. For further information please contact Kim Kianka at 703-535-1887 or visit http://www.aahomecare.org.

The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) represents providers of durable medical equipment and related services and supplies as well as equipment manufacturers. AAHomecare members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require home oxygen equipment, wheelchairs and other mobility products, hospital beds, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies delivered in the patient's home. AAHomecare's provider members operate more than 3,000 home care locations in all 50 states.

American Association for Homecare