Medicare Blog

how to bill moon boot to medicare

by Santos Haag Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Does the Moon need to be delivered to every Medicare patient?

The MOON does not need to be delivered to every Medicare patient who receives outpatient services — only those receiving at least 24 hours of observation services.

Does Medicare Part B cover walking boots?

Original Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover ankle-foot orthosis (commonly referred to as “walking boots”) in certain cases, as long as they are rigid, or semi rigid. In what cases does Medicare Part B cover walking boots ?

Does the Moon require the signature of the patient?

[4] Although the NOTICE Act requires hospitals to give oral and written notice to the outpatient, [5] the MOON requires the signature of the patient or the patient’s representative. [6]

Where can I find the CMS Claims Processing Manual for Moon?

Full instructions are available in Section 400, of Chapter 30 of the CMS Claims Processing Manual, available at: /Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c30.pdf (PDF) Frequently asked questions ("MOON FAQs") are also available under "Downloads" below.

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How do you bill for a walking boot?

HCPCS codes L4360, L4361, L4386 and L4387 describe an ankle-foot orthosis commonly referred to as a walking boot. Walking boots that are used to provide immobilization as treatment for an orthopedic condition or following orthopedic surgery are eligible for coverage under the Brace benefit.

How do I bill L3000 to Medicare?

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HCPCS code L3000 (Foot insert, removable, molded to patient model, UCB type, Berkeley Shell, each) is not payable by Medicare. HCPCS code L3000 is to be used for custom made orthotics (shoe inserts) and not for over the counter shoe inserts.

Does Medicare cover CPT 97018?

CPT code 97018 denied by the carrier as “charge included in another charge or service.” CPT 97018 code is considered by Medicare to be a component procedure of CPT code 97140 which was billed on same date of service. A modifier is allowed in order to differentiate between the services provided.

Does L4360 need a modifier?

Suppliers must add a GY modifier to code L4360, L4361, L4386 or L4387 if the walking boot is only being used for the treatment or prevention of a foot ulcer.

Does L3000 need a modifier?

When billing L3000 for custom foot orthotic devices, the GY modifier should be used to indicate that the item is statutorily excluded and cause the claim to deny.

What is a GY modifier used for?

The GY modifier must be used when physicians, practitioners, or suppliers want to indicate that the item or service is statutorily non-covered or is not a Medicare benefit.

Does 97018 need a modifier?

Does CPT 97018 Need A Modifier? Yes, CPT 97018 requires Modifier 59 to enable the codes to be billed individually on the same day.

Does Medicare pay CPT 95992?

All other material remains the same. Chapter 5, Part B Outpatient Rehabilitation Billing, is updated to indicate that CPT code 95992, a new code effective 1/1/09, is bundled under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). This code is bundled with any therapy code.

Does Medicare cover CPT G0283?

In a fee-for-service payment structure either CPT code 97032 (attended electrical stimulation; in 15 minutes increments) or CPT code 97014 (unattended electrical stimulation; untimed; Medicare requires CPT code G0283 to be used instead) is used.

What is the difference between L4360 and L4361?

In order to meet medical necessity requirements, the following must be submitted (if requested by the insurance) to justify billing- note that L4360 as a custom item will require additional documentation compared to L4361, which is pre-fabricated and does not require any modifications (from Noridian's website):

Is L1906 covered by Medicare?

Effective for claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2012, the only products which may be billed to Medicare using code L1906 (ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS, MULTILIGAMENTUS ANKLE SUPPORT, PREFABRICATED, INCLUDES FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT) are those for which a written coding verification has been made by the Pricing, ...

Is L4396 covered by Medicare?

A static/dynamic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) (L4396, L4397) and replacement interface (L4392) are denied as noncovered (no Medicare benefit) when they are used solely for the prevention or treatment of a heel pressure ulcer because for these indications they are not used to support a weak or deformed body member or to ...

What is a MOON in Medicare?

Hospitals and CAHs are required to furnish a new CMS-developed standardized notice, the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON), to a Medicare beneficiary who has been receiving observation services as an outpatient.

How long does a hospital have to deliver a moon?

Under CMS’ final NOTICE Act regulation, published August 2, 2016, hospitals and CAHs may deliver the MOON to individuals receiving observation services as an outpatient before such individuals have received more than 24 hours of observation services. The notice must be provided no later than 36 hours after observation services are initiated or, ...

What is an oral explanation of the moon?

An oral explanation of the MOON must be provided, ideally in conjunction with the delivery of the notice, and a signature must be obtained from the individual, or a person acting on such individual’s behalf, to acknowledge receipt.

What is the MOON section?

The MOON "additional information" section may be used to add information to meet any state law observation notification requirements that differ from the MOON federal requirements but the MOON may not be used for non-Medicare/Medicare Advantage patients. 6. The MOON is required for any Medicare/Medicare Advantage patient who receives 24 hours ...

How long can you use an old moon?

The old MOON cannot be used. 3. Because the new MOON must go through the approval process, use of the MOON will not be required for at least 120 days (the 30-day comment period and unknown time for comment review and release of the final MOON then a 90-day implementation period.)

How many hours of observation is required for a MOON?

The MOON is required for any Medicare/Medicare Advantage patient who receives 24 hours of observation and must be given by 36 hours but CMS allows the MOON be given to any Medicare/MA patient who receives observation services.

Is a moon required for Medicare?

The MOON is required for patients in whom Medicare is a second payer and for all patients with Medicare Advantage plans even though the copay ments and SNF requirements for those patients may differ from those described on the MOON.

What is a MOON in Medicare?

The Federal Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act (NOTICE Act) requires all hospitals and critical access hospitals to provide a written and oral notification to patients who are placed in observation status. The notice informs the patient of specific details about their status, and educates them regarding what Medicare typically covers.

Why does Medicare advise hospitals to have pricing information available for patients to review as they read the MOON form?

Because patients may have questions, Medicare advises hospitals to have pricing information available for patients to review as they read the MOON form. CMS says a patient must be cared for in the most appropriate setting; if a patient does not need inpatient care, they must be cared for as an outpatient.

What is a moon in CMS?

The MOON is a standard CMS form with blanks for: Patient name and number. Attending physician name. Date and time observation services begin. A description of why the patient is being placed in outpatient observation status. Additional patient-specific information, which may be added by the hospital.

How many hours of observation is required for a moon?

Time Factors into MOON Rules. The MOON does not need to be delivered to every Medicare patient who receives outpatient services — only those receiving at least 24 hours of observation services. Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the observation clock begins when “observation services are initiated (furnished to the patient), ...

Why is a moon necessary?

Why the MOON Is Necessary. The MOON was created because of inconsistency in status assignment and ongoing patient confusion. The purpose of the MOON is to tell patients up front about potential out-of-pocket expenses. The MOON informs patients: Part A does not cover outpatient services.

How long does it take to receive a MOON?

Patients must receive the MOON no later than 36 hours after the start of observation services, and the patient or representative must acknowledge receipt by signing and dating the form.

Does Part A cover outpatient services?

The MOON informs patients: Part A does not cover outpatient services. Part B requires a copayment for certain hospital and provider services after meeting the deductible. Patients will most likely be charged extra for any self-administered drugs they are taking for chronic conditions.

Who can be given the moon?

Who, Besides the Patient, Can be Given the MOON. Although the NOTICE Act requires hospitals to give oral and written notice to the outpatient, [5] the MOON requires the signature of the patient or the patient’s representative. [6]

When is the moon notice required?

CMS Issues Instructions Regarding the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON) Beginning no later than March 8, 2017, and as required by the Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act (NOTICE Act), [1] hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) are required to give patients both oral ...

Who makes health care decisions on a beneficiary's behalf?

Authorized representatives, who, “under State or other applicable law, may make health care decisions on a beneficiary’s behalf (e.g., the beneficiary’s legal guardian, or someone appointed in accordance with a properly executed durable medical power of attorney); and.

How much does Medicare Part B cover?

As long as you have the order/prescription from a Medicare enrolled doctor, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved price for the DME with the Medicare-enrolled supplier.

What is a walking boot?

the “walking boot” is rigid or semi rigid. the “walking boots” are being used to immobilize the ankle/foot following orthopedic surgery or for an orthopedic condition. As long as you have a prescription from a Medicare-enrolled physician which states that it is “medically necessary”, you will typically be covered.

What are some devices that are not considered DME?

Other devices (not all-inclusive) which are also not considered to be DME are: single use packs which generate cold temperature by a chemical reaction; packs which contain gel or other material which can be repeatedly frozen; simple containers into which ice water can be placed.

What does "not reasonable and necessary" mean?

Medicare defines services/items “not reasonable and necessary” as items not “reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.”.

Does Medicare cover durable medical equipment?

the item must be able to withstand repeated use over a sustained period of time – durable. the item must be used for a medical reason only – not for comfort.

Can a nursing home be a Medicare Part B home?

With regards to nursing homes and hospitals, they are covered under Medicare Part A – hospital treatment. As such they cannot qualify as a home for Medicare Part B. The coverage for DME’s is different for skilled nursing facilities, and they are provided for up to 100 days by the nursing facility itself.

Does Medicare cover heat therapy?

Medicare does cover certain cold and heat therapies on both an inpatient, or outpatient basis. The treatment again has to be prescribed as “medically necessary” by a Medicare enrolled physician, or by a therapist and co-signed by a physician.

What is the MOON form?

As hospitals get ready to start notifying patients about their status under the requirements of the NOTICE Act using the MOON form, many still have questions about the process and the form itself. The NOTICE Act requires hospitals to provide a verbal and written notice (using the MOON form) of outpatient status to any patient who has been in ...

How long does a hospital have to give notice of a patient's discharge?

The hospital must provide notice to the patient within 36 hours of the start of the service, or at the time of discharge or inpatient admission. “The notice must be provided no later than 36 hours after observation services are initiated or, if sooner, upon release,” according to CMS.

Does a CMS form have to include an oral explanation of the moon?

A. CMS states that an oral explanation of the MOON must accompany the written form. Ideally, officials say, it should be provided at the same time as the written notification.

Can you modify the moon?

A. The wording of the MOON cannot be altered in any way. Hospitals may, however, add details in the “additional information” section and must also write the reason for observation in the appropriate spot on the form. Aside from these changes, you can only modify the MOON slightly to allow placement of a label or other identifier.

Is the moon the same as the IMM?

The MOON has the same standing as the Important Message from Medicare (IMM). It is a federal document that must be completed and delivered as required. Compliance will be assessed by surveyors such as a state agency on behalf of CMS and the national accrediting agencies.

Do moon boots have straps?

Unlike moon boots, foot casts do not have straps. Foot casts may also work differently from how a moon boot works. While casts are meant solely to protect injuries and aid in recovery, moon boots provide the patient with enough mobility to walk and perform simple tasks.

Can seniors wear moon boots?

Moon boots may be beneficial for seniors, but it's not the answer to all mobility problems, and it doesn't guarantee that your patient will no longer suffer from accidents. Moon boots are originally designed to aid the recovery of foot or ankle injuries, and it’s best to get them from a licensed medical doctor. However, you can also acquire moon boots through medical supply providers and online stores.

Why is the calf muscle pumping?

Because the natural walking action is purposely restricted by the CAM boot to rest and recover from an injury, the calf muscle’s usual pumping action (contract-relax action) is inhibited allowing blood to pool and coagulate in the calf potentially giving rise to DVTs.

When going upstairs, lead with your good foot?

When going upstairs lead with your good foot, and when going downstairs, lead with your CAM foot. “Up with the good & down with the bad” is an easy way to remember which leg to use first. Try to keep your hands free (backpacks are a handy item) and always use handrails whenever available.

Can a CAM walker cause a blood clot?

DVT can occur when a person isn’t using the muscles in their legs, therefore there is no muscle contraction to push the blood back up, this can lead to the formation of a blood clot. Whilst DVTs aren’t common whilst wearing a CAM walker (unless you have recently been discharged from hospital-increased risk) it is important to be aware ...

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