In today's ever-changing Medicare industry, it's vital that DME suppliers stay well informed. With continually changing regulations and billing requirements, education is the key to survival in our industry.

With Andrea Stark's Vista Notes, you'll be able to stay informed without taking time away from other aspects of your business!

Vista Notes is a convenient, all-in-one publication that will keep you up to date on Medicare's latest compliance, coverage and billing guidelines. When writing each issue, Andrea utilizes her knowledge as a DME consultant to decipher which information is truly meaningful to suppliers and interprets any vague or confusing regulations into easy to understand articles. In short, you'll recieve timely updates on how important Medicare changes impact your DME business.

Click here to see a free sample of our most current issue! 

"I have been the Billing Manager at my company for over 11 years and Vista Notes is that one thing you have always wanted to make your job a little easier." - Stephanie Hess, Community Home Care Services

 

"We have benefited so much from Vista Notes. It has allowed me to have more freedom to do other things with my staff, than to have to read through and pull out information from multiple sources." - Sylvia King, Thrift Home Care

 

"I have found Vista Notes to be very beneficial for our day to day operations. The Notes put the regulations in an easy to read format and are explained in a way that even a novice could understand." - Donna Richardson, AnMed Health

Read more testimonials here!

Vista Notes is currently published electronically, on a bi-monthly basis. A total of six issues are released each year. By purchasing an annual subscription below, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to MiraVista's terms of service.

Upon subscribing you will immediately receive the most current issue of Vista Notes: December, 2011.

Before entering the Medicare program for the first time, re-enrolling or submitting a change of information, it’s important to make sure you’ve dotted all your 'i's and crossed all your 't’s. Submitting a clean application gives you a significant head start on your journey to enrollment in the Medicare program. This package will give you the guidance you need to ensure you have all the proper documentation and insight needed to meet enrollment requirements.

MiraVista's Medicare NSC Application Package is intended for suppliers who have completed the accreditation and surety bond processes and are ready to enroll/revalidate their enrollment in Medicare. The package includes: 

• The 30 Supplier Standards
• Tips to Ensure a Smooth Enrollment Process
• Pre-enrollment Documentation Checklists
• An NSC On-Site Inspection Checklist
• Tips for Completing the CMS855S and/or Enrolling in PECOS
• The full CMS-855S Enrollment Application
• EFT and Supplier Participaton Agreements
• Instructions for Paying Your Application Fee
• Sample NSC Model Forms and FAQs

Last Updated: September 6, 2011

With Billing Cheat Sheets, you'll always have critical Medicare billing information right at your fingertips! A collaboration between MiraVista and our sister company, ClaraVista, this 31-page document is perfect for those suppliers offering multiple DME who are looking for one, concise billing guide that covers it all.

We reccomend you print the cheat sheets and distribute a copy of the pages that pertain to your business to each AR and billing staff member.

Andrea’s Medicare Billing Cheat Sheets provide a breakdown of the following information for all major Medicare policies:

• Current diagnosis criteria
• CMN criteria
• Important coverage and documentation guidelines (broken down into a few critical sentences)
• Common HCPCS codes and modifiers

Recorded: November 9, 2011

During this recording, Andrea Stark discusses how to appropriately complete and utilize CMNs, ABNs, and supplier generated forms, including:

• Who may fill out which sections of a CMN.
• Your options when information is missing or incomplete on a CMN.
• When a revised, initial and recertification CMN are required (oxygen related).
• Scenarios where you may or may not utilize an ABN for upgrades.
• What to charge when an ABN is on file (assigned vs. non-assigned claims).
• What to do if the patient refuses to sign an ABN.
• Medicare’s take on supplier generated forms.

Recorded: November 1, 2011

This recording will provide DME business owners and managers with the information you need to evaluate the potential impact of Round 2 on your business and to begin making the internal decision of whether to bid on and/or grandfather products. Join DME consultant Andrea Stark as she provides answers to the Who’s? What’s? When’s? Where’s? and How’s? of Competitive Bidding. Topics to be covered include:

• Who is affected (products and MSAs subject to bidding).
• What you need to know if you plan to submit a bid, and your options if you don’t bid or aren’t awarded a contract (grandfathering and subcontracting)
• When bidding is expected to take place, winners be announced, and payment amounts implemented.
• Where traveling patients will need to go to get their DME, once bidding is implemented.
• How CMS determines bid winners.

Recorded: October 18, 2011

It’s the classic catch-22. On one hand, if you request all documentation up front from a physician, you risk becoming burdensome and losing potential referrals. On the other hand, if you request too little documentation, your risk having your claims recouped in the event of an audit. So what are you to do?

Recorded: September 22, 2011

Per the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all suppliers must revalidate their Medicare enrollment no later than March 2013. Parts 1 and 2 of this series are designed to provide suppliers with a clear understanding of the new revalidation process, including how to submit a successful re-enrollment application and what you need to know to pass inspection.

• Does CMS consider me a low, moderate or high risk of fraud?
• What type of screening procedures can I expect to undergo, and what will they be looking for?
• Will the NSC notify me of my inspection date? What if the inspector comes on a day I am not there?
• How will I know who the inspector is when he/she arrives?
• What type of questions will they ask during my on-site, and what answers are they looking for?
• What should I be sure to have available for the inspector to see? Documents and forms? Inventory? Signs?
• How soon will I know if I passed inspection? What if I don't pass?

Recorded: September 20, 2011

Per the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all suppliers must revalidate their Medicare enrollment no later than March 2013. Parts 1 and 2 of this series are designed to provide suppliers with a clear understanding of the new revalidation process, including how to submit a successful re-enrollment application and what you need to know to pass inspection.

• What major changes do I need to be aware of in the new 30 supplier standards?
• Am I currently in compliance with Medicare’s facility and hours of operation requirements? What if my lease isn’t up yet? What if special circumstances require I deviate from my normally posted hours? What is considered sharing a practice location?
• What can I do if I haven’t received a re-enrollment notification from the NSC? Can I proactively re-enroll early to avoid paying a higher enrollment fee next year?
• Why do I have to pay an enrollment fee and how much is it? Do I have to pay a separate enrollment fee for each location? What are my payment options?
• What is the difference between submitting an electronic PECOS application and submitting a CMS-855s paper application? Is one better than the other?
• Do I have to register in PECOS for revalidation? How do I know if I am already in the system?
• If I want to revalidate through PECOS, how do I do it? How long does it take?

Recorded: August 24, 2011

This event generated a substantial number of questions from attendees. Due to time constraints, we were unable to address them all live. As a result, we have perpared a BONUS Q&A transcript of additional frequently asked questions submitted by attendees during the live event. If you purchase a recording, a copy of the transcript will be included as part of your download.
  

This recording is co-sponsored by: HME News

How would you fare if your claims for supplies became subject to an audit?

In today’s audit environment, contractors are turning their attention not just to DME equipment, but to their related supplies and refills. The OIG included the frequent replacement of DME supplies as an area of focus in its 2011 Work Plan, and Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) have initiated specific reviews for: diabetic testing supplies, nebulizer drugs, CPAP accessories, and enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Providers facing audits for supplies and refills know that proving medical necessity for these items creates its own unique set of challenges. In this recording, DME consultant Andrea Stark helps you audit proof your request for refill documentation and explains what is required to: prove the patient was contacted and refills were authorized, show that supplies are being utilized, and document that refills were delivered.

Specific documentation and coverage requirements are discussed for the following audit-prone supplies:

• Diabetic
• CPAP
• Nebulizer
• Enteral and Parenteral
• Urological

The basics of providing refills for the above product categories is also applicable to suction pumps, surgical supplies, and tracheostomy supplies.

Recorded: July 14, 2011

Effective May 8, 2011, CMS has mandated that for patients with both stationary and portable equipment, the reasonable useful lifetime (RUL) of the portable unit must be synchronized with the RUL of the stationary unit. During this first half of this recording, Andrea Stark discusses the potential pros and cons of the change, and the potential impact on DME suppliers, including:

Recorded: June 23, 2011

 This recording is co-hosted by: HME News.

During this recording, DMEPOS consultant Andrea Stark of MiraVista and healthcare attorney Jeff Baird of Brown & Fortunato take an in-depth look at the Medicare compliance, reimbursement, and legislative changes that have taken place over the past six months, and inform suppliers of what to expect in the months to come.

This recordig is the second in the “A Look at the Year Ahead” series and  includes updates on:

• The Current State and Anticipated Expansion of Audits
• The Enforcement of New DMEPOS Enrollment Standards and What You Need to Know to Maintain Compliance
• Recently Implemented Provisions in ACA that Affect all DME Suppliers
  
• Clarifications on Restrictions Regarding Patient Contact
• Updates to Supplier Re-enrollment Screenings and Fingerprinting Requirements
• The Status of DME Face-to-Face Order Requirements
• Competitive Bidding Updates
• And More! 

Suppliers who download this recording will gain a clear understanding of recently enforced Medicare regulations and will be well prepared for the implementation of pending legislation.

Recorded: June 7, 2011

In this digital recording, DME consultant Andrea Stark will discuss advanced uses of the ABN, including how suppliers can execute a valid ABN in certain situations where the patient refuses to sign.

• Use of the GA, GK, GL and GZ Modifiers
• Billing for Upgrades
• How Much You Can Collect up Front
• Providing Free Upgrades
• What to Do When an Item is Statutorily Non-Covered
• Executing an ABN When the Patient Refuses to Sign 

Recorded: March 31, 2011

CPAP and Nebulizer claims are constantly under prepay review by the DME MACs. This recording will highlight recent vulnerabilities identified in prior reviews, and help you ensure you have everything you need to submit a successful claim and prevent your payments from being recouped.

• Detailed Written Orders,
• Use of the KX Modifier,
• Documenting compliant use of the PAP,
• What to do when patients are re-evaluated late or do not meet adherence requirements, and
• How to handle patients who have PAPs prior to enrolling in Medicare. 

• What must be included in physician orders,
• Which modifiers to use when billing for drugs,
• How to calculate the correct volume/amount of drugs to bill, and
•  When additional documentation is required. 

Recorded: March 22, 2011

This recording is co-sponsored by:

• Which DMEPOS supplies are most prone to audit and why.
• The top reasons claims are denied.
•  How to avoid common billing errors that could be increasing your odds of being audited.
• Your options if you find yourself caught in the throes of a ZPIC or RAC audit.
• Simple procedures you can implement to protect yourself and your business.
• What to expect from audit contractors in 2011. 

Recorded: March 08, 2011

Insufficient documentation is the number one reason for oxygen claim denials, and oxygen claims consistantly have one of the highest  CERT error rates. Are you prepared to respond to an audit request? During this recording, Andrea Stark helps you understand what documentation audit contractors are looking for, and how to put together a solid response package.

• Maintenance and Service,
• Billing for Contents,
• Delivery, and
• Replacement Equipment. 

• Illegible Physician Signatures,
• Errors on CMNs, and
•  Insufficient Chart Notes.

Recorded on: February 17, 2011

The OIG and DME MACs have recently begun cracking down on payments for DMEPOS supplies requiring the use of the KX modifier. Would your documentation cut the mustard in the event of an audit?

Recorded: February 3, 2011

During medical reviews, diabetic supplies consistently have one of the highest paid claims error rates, with unsupported overutilization being one of the biggest culprits.

 Recorded: January 11, 2011

This recording is co-sponsored by:

With the elimination of the first month purchase option of power wheelchairs, upcoming PECOS rejections and scheduled expansion of Competitive Bidding, 2011 is shaping up to be a head-spinning year for DME suppliers.

• The Power Wheelchair Purchase Option 
• Operational and Regulatory Requirements in 2011
• Future DMEPOS (Re)Enrollment Changes
• Competitive Bidding Updates
• Andrea's Audit Outlook
• Legal Advice from Attorney Jeff Baird
• And Much More!

This event generated a substantial number of questions from attendees. Due to time constraints, we were unable to address them all live. As a result, we perpared a BONUS Q&A transcript of additional frequently asked questions submitted by attendees during the live event.

Recorded: November 4, 2010

This webinar will help suppliers ensure they have a clear understanding of Medicare’s current coverage criteria for mobility assistive equipment, including manual and power wheelchairs.

In addition to ensuring the patient meets coverage criteria, mobility suppliers will also learn which documents they must have on file in the event of an audit, and how to walk the fine line between “educating” and “leading” the physician.

Topics covered include:

* The 7 Element Order
* Detailed Product Descriptions
* Physician Documentation Requirements
* Use of the KX Modifier
* Which Documents You Must Have on File
* The Use of Supplier Generated Forms

Recorded: October 15, 2010

Learn how to keep your patients and survive the Bidding program.

The new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) includes provisions to expand Round 2 of the Competitive Bidding program to an additional 21 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and requires all products subject to bidding under the existing program to be provided at bid prices nationwide by 2016.

With the recently released Round 1 bid amounts scheduled to be implemented in 2011 and the Round 2 bid window set to open next spring, Competitive Bidding is moving full speed with almost no signs of stopping.

During this recording, Andrea Stark will discuss what all DMEPOS suppliers need to know should you not win a bid contract, and the things to consider when deciding whether to continue servicing your Medicare patients.

Topics covered include:

* Your Options if you Don’t Win a Bid Contract;

* What You Must Do to Keep Your Current Patients Under the Bid Program;

* How the Program will Affect the Prices Grandfathering Suppliers can Charge;

* Whether You can Continue Providing Accessories and Supplies;
* Stipulations and Requirements for Servicing Patients who Live in or Travel to Competitive Bid Areas (CBAs);

* Round 1 Single Payment Amounts and Bid Winners (as released by CMS);
* Affected Products, MSAs and Implementation Deadlines;
* What to Expect in Round 2;
* The Effects of Competitive Bidding on Oxygen;
* The Potential for a National Bid on Mail-Order Supplies;
* The Likelihood and Cost of Repealing the Program Entirely.

Recorded: October 8, 2010

Effective September 27, 2010 DMEPOS suppliers looking to enroll or re-enroll in the Medicare program will face enhanced scrutiny from the NSC and CMS officials. On top of surety bond and accreditation requirements, CMS has issued a Final Rule, which implements several additional licensure and business operation requirements.

Don't take any chances with your Medicare enrollment status! During this recording, DMEPOS consultant Andrea Stark discusses various provisions laid out in the Final Rule and how they affect your business, including:

• New certification standards;
• Subcontracting limitations; 
• Minimum requirements for facility size and hours of operation;
• Restrictions regarding phone operations and patient contact;
• And more!

On September 17, CMS followed the final rule with an additional proposed rule that would implement several provisions in the ACA related to Medicare enrollment screenings, application fees, compliance plans, moratoria and more. These provisions arealso be addressed during this recording, including:

• How CMS will determine whether a supplier is at limited, moderate or high risk for fraud and the levels of screening they must undergo.
• How DME suppliers will be made to cover the costs of the screenings and how much you can expect to pay.
• Situations under which CMS may impose moratoria on entire categories of suppliers.

Recorded: September 2, 2010

We’ve all heard stories, we’ve all had questions. We’ve even seen competitors push the envelope – are they wrong or just ambitious? Is it possible we are being too cautious to our own detriment?

This recording will set out to distinguish the difference between Medicare myths and reality. You will learn what is really acceptable under Medicare guidelines as Andrea Stark debunks comming Medicare myths submitted by webinar participants.

Some of the topics covered in this recording include:

• Can we get a valid ABN without a patient signature?
• Does the physician always have to be the one who completes the CMN?
• Can we collect cash from the patient up-front and still accept assignment?
• If Medicare will pay for an item, can I still offer it at a retail only level? What can I charge?
• I've created a form that the physician has filled out and signed. Will it hold up during an audit?
• Can I provide services to a patient in a SNF or home health episode and bill the agency?

Recorded: August 19, 2010

Do you find yourself having trouble collecting from patients? Are you tired of chasing down payments? Your front-end could be the reason patient AR is ballooning. Purchase this recording today, and ensure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to proactively secure payments and reduce future collection efforts.

During this recording, DME consultant Andrea Stark will help you re-examine your payment policies:

• Are you proactively or reactively pursuing collections?
• Are you taking advantage of collecting payments when you have the most leverage?

She’ll also provide you with several keys to successful patient collections, including:

• Easy to integrate front-end policies and procedures that aid in collection efforts.
• How to determine where to focus collection efforts and when to just let it go.
• How to measure collection momentum and ensure productivity. 

Finally, Andrea will conclude the session by providing you with the tools you need to evaluate a patient’s risk when credit must be extended:

• Is the patient worth the credit risk?
• What other payment options are available?

Recorded: July 29, 2010

Confused about whether your payments will be recouped when PECOS edits are implemented?

Concerned about billing claims where the ordering physician isn't listed as enrolled in PECOS yet?

Worried about the impact PECOS rejections will have on your business?

If you're ready to get straight answers to your PECOS questions, then this recording is for you!  

Due to the increasing number of inquiries MiraVista received regarding the July 6 PECOS physician enrollment deadline and January 3, 2011 rejection implementation date, we decided to hold a timely PECOS webinar. This is a recording of the live event.

During this recording, Andrea Stark explains how the PECOS edits will be implemented, covers the latest PECOS updates, and answers questions regarding the July 6 physician enrollment deadline.

Recorded: September 30, 2010 

This webinar is co-hosted by:

2010 has been a year of change for oxygen, CPAP and RAD suppliers. With revised LCDs, special payment rules under Competitive Bidding, limited maintenance payments and increased audits, respiratory suppliers have had more than their fair share of changing reimbursement guidelines and new regulations. Have you kept up with them all? 

During this recording, Andrea Stark provides answers to some of the most frequently asked oxygen, PAP and RAD questions, including:

Oxygen

* When can I bill for maintenance payments, and what do I have to do to justify the claims?
* Which oxygen modalities/equipment qualifies for content payments, and when can I start billing for them?
* Which situations qualify for a new 36-month rental period?
* What are my obligations if an oxygen patient moves or travels outside of my service area?
 

CPAP & RAD

* Who can conduct the required re-evaluation of a CPAP or RAD patient?
* What is considered compliant usage of a CPAP or RAD, and how must compliance be documented?
* What are my options if a CPAP or RAD patient is not re-evaluated within 90-days of initiating therapy?
* What if the patient fails their second CPAP trial?

The session with the latest respiratory billing updates issued by CMS, including:

* Proposed Changes to the 36-Month Oxygen Payment Rule
* New Documentation Requirements for CPAP to RAD Upgrades
* How Competitive Bidding will impact Oxygen, PAPs and RADs

Recorded: July 15, 2010

“To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” –Abraham Maslow

What we know is that we need billing talent. If we are unsatisfied with the result, we assume we do not have enough billing talent or the right kind of billing talent. Even the brightest billing staff, however, cannot effectively manage their operation with reimbursement expertise alone. A billing operation without process is like a one-tool toolbox; the hammer is a good tool, but when over utilized, it is ineffective and destructive. If you think you are frustrated, how do you think the hammer feels?

The good news is, you do not need more software, more people, or more complexity. Instead, you need to focus on building a strong billing process. Strong processes address the individually insignificant symptoms before they cause damage, allow the billing staff to use their skills to research and resolve issues that really matter, and allow operational managers and owners to evaluate performance in less than 15 minutes each day.

During this recording, we explore the fundamentals of having a strong billing process as the irreplaceable companion to reimbursement expertise and teach you how to:

• Flush out  process strengths and weaknesses simply...with a piece of paper and a crayon;
• Develop processes that reduce billing errors and the drag on your reimbursement talent;
• Assess performance and return on effort in real time.

This recording is jointly presented by Andrea Stark (the reimbursement talent) and Derrick Stark, CPA, CVA (the opposite) in a point/counter-point format that works through real world scenarios for building process into your billing department.

Simplify your billing operation, improve the results, reduce billing costs, and bridge the divide between billing-speak and the rest of your business.

Recorded: July 8, 2010

This recording is sponsored by:

With the increased focus on Medicare fraud, legitimate suppliers are finding themselves subject to undue scrutiny from heavy-handed audit contractors. However, by knowing what these contractors are looking for, you can take proactive measures to prepare for audits and help increase your chances of receiving a favorable decision.

During the first half of this recording, Andrea Stark provides an overview of what audit contractors are looking for when reviewing claims. Discussion includes:

• What DMEPOS claims are vulnerable to review;
• The state of on-going prepay reviews and audits;
• The top reasons for claim denials.

During the second half of this recording, Andrea will teach you how to:

• Effectively respond to written inquiries;
• Prepare for a potentially unexpected on-site visit;
• Put together a successful response package;
• Appeal unfavorable decisions;
• Implement strategies to reduce your risk of being audited again. 

This event generated a substantial number of questions from attendees. Due to time constraints, we were unable to address them all live. As a result, we perpared a BONUS Q&A transcript of additional frequently asked questions submitted by attendees during the live event.

Recorded: June 25, 2010

Medicare contractors have been instructed to crack-down on the legible physician signature requirement. That means even if you have everything you need to support your claim, it may still be denied upon review if your doctor signed a single CMN, written order or chart note with illegible hand writing (and we both know this happens all the time!).

This recording will teach you how to prepare for potential audits based on illegible physician signatures and the steps you can take now to prevent future denials, including:

• Current Medicare signature requirements;
• What constitutes an acceptable vs. unacceptable signature;
• Guidelines for signature logs and attestation statements;
• What documents must be signed and exceptions to the legible signature rule;
• What is required for Electronic Signatures;
• What happens if a contractor deems a signature illegible and the actions you can take.

Recorded: May 5, 2010

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590). The new healthcare bill contains many provisions that directly affect all DMEPOS.

This digital recording will inform you about the true impact H.R. 3590 will have on the DME industry and how to prepare for all of the changes to come.

• Will I really have to provide DME at Competitive Bid prices, even if I'm not in a bid area?
• Will certain pharmacies be able to stay in the game without accreditation?
• Is Medicare going to make me pay an application fee, now?
• Do I have to rent my power wheelchairs?
• Are there new face-to-face evaluation requirements for DME?
• What's the deal with the reduction in timely filing?
• What other surprises are in this healthcare bill that I should know about?

Recorded: April 13, 2010

This event generated a substantial number of questions from attendees. Due to time constraints, we were unable to address them all live. As a result, this recording includes both a copy of the webinar handouts and a BONUS Q&A transcript of additional questions submitted by attendees during the live event.

On March 5, 2010, the DME MACs issued a revised PAP LCD, effective April 1, 2010. Revisions made to the LCD include:   

• Specific coverage and physician documentation requirements that must be met before a patient may be upgraded from a CPAP to a Bi-Level device.
• Changes to PAP replacement guidelines.
• Updates to OSA testing devices/categories accepted by Medicare.

During this recording, Andrea Stark will teach you what you need to know to understand the new revisions and reduce potential rejections.

Along with the above revisions, the recording also highlights changes made to the PAP LCD on January 22, 2010, retroactive to January 1, 2010. Additional topics covered include: 

• The requirement for a credentialed physician to interpret OSA results.
• Coverage requirements for patients on PAPs prior to November 1, 2008.
• Time limits/date requirements for documentation proving medical necessity.
• Documentation of supply utilization and shipment/delivery limitations.

Recorded: April 29, 2010

Audits are unpleasant, time-consuming and costly. They happen to even the most successful and honest DMEPOS suppliers and usually without warning. In the event of a denial or an audit, there are several steps you can take to help turn rejections into collections.

• How to anticipate the various sources of audits and what they are looking for when reviewing your claims.
• How to effectively respond to written inquiries from a CERT, DME MAC, or RAC Contractor.
• What to expect during on-site visits.
• How to successfully submit appeals following an audit.
• Ways to reduce the risk of future audits via better data entry accountability.
• How to develop an internal program to conduct successful self-audits. 

Recorded: March 18, 2010

In light of recent reimbursement cuts, competitive bidding and an increase in CERT/RAC/DME MAC audits, providers can’t afford to submit sloppy claims. Even the smallest oversights that may have gone unnoticed in the past are now resulting in costly denials, rejections and recoupments.

• Prescreen your claims for potential denials.
• Utilize technology to submit claims electronically, reduce the burden on your AR department, and decrease your risk of getting denied.
• Identify potential same or similar, medical necessity, or other eligibility issues (i.e. SNF stays).
• Establish an AR Strategy and ensure that reporting tools effectively capture the vulnerabilities of claim processing to include analysis of claim rejections, days sales outstanding and denials.

This recording will provide you with the tips and tools you need to be sure you are properly submitting claims to Medicare, the first time around.

Recorded: February 16, 2010

Before supplying equipment to a patient, you need to make sure you’ll get reimbursed. Many of the reimbursement headaches that providers face can be prevented simply by ensuring you have a solid patient intake and assessment process. During this webinar, you'll learn what steps you need to take from the time a patient walks in the door to the time you deliver their equipment.

• What needs to be included in patient charts to ensure compliance with Medicare rules and policies.
• What questions to ask before agreeing to take on a patient.
• Basic documentation and signature requirements for general DME, including when CMNs, DIFs and WOPDs should be used.
• How to determine if and when you will need to utilize an ABN, obtain a renewal ABN, and ensure that they are compliant.

This webinar will help reduce your chances of failing an audit by teaching you what to look for before submitting a claim.

Recorded: November 19, 2009

Your AR is the lifeline of your business, but if not properly maintained it will easily grow wildly

out of control. During this webinar, Andrea brings you up to speed on AR tips and techniques to help keep your accounts current and receive faster claim payments.

It’s time to take back control of your AR and gear up for a successful new year! 

• Prescreen Claims to Avoid Denials: Prevent unnecessary denials by knowing what to look for before submitting a claim.
• Benefit from Transmitting Claims Electronically: Sending claims electronically can reduce the burden on your AR department. Learn how to read electronically generated reports for instant insight on the status of your claims.
• Develop Your Own AR Strategy: Effectively work denials, prioritize your AR, and maximize your efforts through better reporting and data analysis.

After listenting to this webinar you’ll have the insight and tools necessary to streamline your claim submission process and decrease turn-around times.

Recorded: October 22, 2009

This digital recording addresses the latest Oxygen clarifications and regulations released from CMS, including:

• Maintenance Reimbursements: Andrea discusses the current regulations and payment restrictions for billing maintenance post-cap. Learn how often you can bill, what equipment you may bill for (individually or in combination) and how to correctly submit a maintenance claim.
• Billing for Contents and Labor: Get answers to your questions on billing for oxygen contents, labor and repair services post-cap. What, if anything, will Medicare pay? What codes should be used?
• Patients Traveling with Oxygen: CMS has provided clarification for providers with patients who travel short-term with oxygen. During this segment, Andrea provides a breakdown of your options when patients temporarily travel outside of your service area.

Recorded: July 14, 2009

After listening to this webinar, you'll understand how to use CMNs, know which situations require a CMN and know which CMNs are accepted by Medicare. Andrea provides  step-by-step details on how to properly fill out each section of a CMN, as well as clarifies confusing date and time requirements.

Updated CMN coverage criteria is discussed for the following topics:

• Oxygen (initial & revised CMNs, recertification, testing modalities, etc.)
• Lymphedema Pumps
• Seat Lift Mechanisms
• TENS
• Enteral Nutrition (formulas, pumps, feeding supply kits, etc.)

Learn when to use DIFs, WOPDs, Detailed Orders and more!

Recorded: December 18, 2008