Payment for the rental of a PAP device
Payment will be made for the rental of a PAP device for the first three (3) months (rental period) from the original start date of therapy, when the above clinical criteria are met. Device expenses incurred during the first three (3) months of rental will be applied to the purchase price. Payment will be made for the purchase of the device when
BOTH
of the following criteria are met:
-
Documented compliance with objective findings (i.e., compliance chip, telemonitoring, computer software) of device usage for three (3) consecutive months;
and
- The individual is experiencing success in treatment.
Throughout the PAP device rental period, the DME supplier must check that the member is compliant with use of the device. If the device isn't being used as prescribed, the DME supplier should contact the individual's physician and discuss removal of the device. If the physician agrees that removal of the machine is warranted, the supplier must remove the machine and discontinue billing for the rental. However, if the member is found to be using the PAP device as directed and is achieving the desired results, the DME supplier must contact the individual's physician near the end of the rental period and ask the doctor to prescribe the purchase of the device. Non-compliance, with the prescribed PAP therapy will render the PAP device as a non-covered service.
Compliance monitoring equipment for CPAPs, APAPs, or BiPAPs (e.g., smart card, compliance chip, tele monitoring, and computer software) is considered an integral component of the function of the device and is not eligible for separate reimbursement.
Continued use beyond the first three (3) months of therapy
The medical records must also document objective findings of compliance information, (i.e. compliance chip, telemonitoring, computer software), confirming that the member has been adhering to PAP therapy and is benefiting from its use. Adherence to therapy is defined as use of PAP greater than or equal to four (4) hours per night on 70% of nights during a consecutive 30-day period anytime during the first three (3) months of initial usage.
Replacement of PAP Devices
Replacements of PAP devices for members with an existing diagnosis of OSA do not need a compliance chip if documentation of previous compliance, (i.e., compliance chip, telemonitoring, computer software), has been confirmed in the medical record.
Procedure Codes
