The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced several refinements to the new fee schedule for power mobility devices (PMDs) which will improve the accuracy of Medicare payments for mobility technology. The resulting fees are higher for some codes than the set of fees released on October 2, 2006, particularly in the area of Group 3 (complex rehabilitation) chairs. In addition, the fee for the most commonly provided standard geriatric mobility (Group 2, standard weight captain’s chair) PMD will also increase by approximately $300 compared to the fees announced in October. The new fee schedule for PMDs will take effect on November 15, 2006, as previously announced.

CMS is using the best available data for computing the revised fees. CMS is now using the August 23, 2006 product classification list and pricing database generated by the SADMERC. This database reflects the full and complete manufacturer applications, test results, and attestation, consistent with CMS’ published requirements, and has undergone a thorough review by CMS and the SADMERC. In general, all of these changes have had an upward effect on pricing.

Today’s announcement underscores CMS’ commitment to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries receive the appropriate mobility assistive equipment at the right price to meet their needs while being responsive to comments and feedback from the industry and other stakeholders For more information on the refinements please use the helpful tipsheet or you may go to the CMS website.