Reader Question:
Watch Medicare's List of Device Intensive Procedures
Question:
Illinois Subscriber
Answer:
A device intensive procedure is one in which the cost of the device is more than half the total procedure payment. Medicare currently will reimburse for more than 50 of these procedures, such as neurostimulator-related spine and pain management procedures and pacemaker insertions. Device-intensive procedures have a status indicator of "J8" in CMS ASC Addendum AA.Keep these tips in mind when reporting a device intensive procedure:
- Make sure charges for packaged devices are rolled into the price for separately payable device intensive procedures
- Don't report charges for other devices on a different line from a separately payable device intensive procedure
- Verify the insurance company's policy for reporting device intensive procedures before filing your claim
Resource:
CMS has helpful FAQs online that further explain device intensive procedures. Check them out at http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/ASCPayment/downloads/ASC_QAs_03072008.pdf.