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This information provided courtesy of Lee Watson from Invacare:
As has been reported, the Office of Inspector General is looking into
the
Power Mobility Device area. As part of this initiative, they have
visited
some Complex Rehab providers. In addition, in the past few weeks some
Rehab
providers have received a "Complex Rehabilitation Power Wheelchair
Documentation Request" from the OIG relating to specific submitted
claims
for power chairs provided in 2007. This 6 page "request" is very
comprehensive and asks for a variety of detailed information and
documentation with a response due date.
In case you have not received one of these requests, a blank sample
is
If you receive such a request, it is important that you are thorough
in
your response. These requests present an opportunity for you to
supply
specifics on the significant services and resources involved in
providing
Complex power mobility. Some of the questions ask for detail on the
"services" provided. It is critical you answer these in as much detail
as
possible with whatever supporting information is available. They are
looking for this information to identify the staff and man-hours that
are
involved in the evaluation and delivery process. Something we as an
industry have been stressing for years. The more detailed your
response,
the better. This is a great opportunity to give examples on what we
have
been trying to educate payers on.
The one aspect that they do not seek information on is the
"non-direct"
costs that are involved. In your response I would recommend you make
that
point. That in addition to the direct man-hours noted, the company has
to
have a significant infrastructure (facilities, staff, computer
systems,
vehicles, etc) to provide this technology. In a cover letter
accompanying
your response(s) make the point that the OIG needs to look at and
recognize
these significant business costs in analyzing the current funding
process
and payment amounts.
Lee Watson
Territory Business Manager 1815
Invacare Corporation
V-mail 1(800)333-6900 ext 1679
Cell (803)331-9405
Fax (803)407-6098
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