CMS Releases New PMD Codes
Late Friday night, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the new power mobility device codes — 64 total — that will go into effect on Oct. 1. The codes assign PMDs into six groups based on testing outlined in February 2005: length, width, weight, weight of smallest components, speed, range, dynamic incline stability, obstacle height climb ability, ability to handle power devices, expandability of controller, ability to accept alternative input devices, seat types, and passing of the minimum of 200,000 fatigue cycles and 6,666 drop cycles. Recommendation criteria from the Technical Expert Panel (TEP) commissioned by CMS and comprised of representatives from the technical, scientific, manufacturing, supplier, testing and clinical aspects of the power mobility industry helped to determine the separation points between categories.
The new policy and pricing is expected to be announced this summer.
Some key provisions include the following:
- Testing completed by the manufacturers for the previous draft set of codes will be used for the code verification process. New testing criteria will be developed in the near future. At that time all PMDs will have to be retested according to the new criteria; however, time will be allotted to complete the tests. Once testing is completed a new coding verification process will be conducted.
- The codes are still not actual "K" codes. The "K" codes will be supplied prior to the Oct. 1 implementation date. Included are details on how the codes will be set up.
- A current product classification listing under the current testing parameters is expected shortly.
The codes allow placement of individual devices into performance-based categories and tie those categories to distinct patient populations. The resulting interplay of codes and clinical applications allows for a policy reflective of actual practice in PMD selection.
To view the codes, visit the SADMERC Web site at www.palmettogba.com/SADMERC and click on What's New: Power Mobility Device Code List.
This article originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of HME Business.