Correct Coding and Coverage of Ventilators

by  Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Dec 4th, 2014 - Reviewed/Updated Aug 9th

Joint DME MAC Publication

Ventilator technology has evolved to the point where it is possible to have a single device capable of operating in numerous modes, from basic continuous positive pressure (CPAP and bi-level PAP) to traditional pressure and volume ventilator modes. This creates the possibility that one piece of equipment may be able to replace numerous and different pieces of equipment.  Equipment with multifunction capability creates the possibility of errors in claims submitted for these items. This article will discuss the application of Medicare proper coding and payment rules for ventilators.

CODING

Items classified as ventilators must be billed using the HCPCS codes describing ventilators. The HCPCS codes for ventilators are:

• E0450 - VOLUME CONTROL VENTILATOR, WITHOUT PRESSURE SUPPORT MODE, MAY INCLUDE PRESSURE CONTROL MODE, USED WITH INVASIVE INTERFACE (E.G., TRACHEOSTOMY TUBE)

• E0460 - NEGATIVE PRESSURE VENTILATOR; PORTABLE OR STATIONARY

• E0461 - VOLUME CONTROL VENTILATOR, WITHOUT PRESSURE SUPPORT MODE, MAY INCLUDE PRESSURE PRESSURE CONTROL MODE, USED WITH NON-INVASIVE INTERFACE (E.G. MASK)

• E0463 - PRESSURE SUPPORT VENTILATOR WITH VOLUME CONTROL MODE, MAY INCLUDE PRESSURE CONTROL MODE, USED WITH INVASIVE INTERFACE (E.G. TRACHEOSTOMY TUBE)

• E0464 - PRESSURE SUPPORT VENTILATOR WITH VOLUME CONTROL MODE, MAY INCLUDE PRESSURE CONTROL MODE, USED WITH NON-INVASIVE INTERFACE (E.G. MASK)

NOTE: Ventilators must not be billed using codes for CPAP (E0601) or bi-level PAP (E0470, E0471, E0472). Using the CPAP or bi-level PAP HCPCS codes to bill a ventilator is incorrect coding, even if the ventilator is only being used in CPAP or bi-level mode (see below). Claims for ventilators used in CPAP or bi-level PAP scenarios will be denied as incorrect coding.

COVERAGE

Items may only be covered based upon the applicable reasonable and necessary (R&N) criteria based upon the classification assigned to the device. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) National Coverage Determinations Manual (Internet-Only Manual, Publ. 100-3) in Chapter 1, Part 4, Section 280.1 stipulates that ventilators are covered for the following conditions:

[N]euromuscular diseases, thoracic restrictive diseases, and chronic respiratory failure consequent to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Each of these disease categories are comprised of conditions that can vary from severe and life-threatening to less serious forms. These disease groups may appear to overlap conditions described in the Respiratory Assist Devices LCD but they are not. Choice of an appropriate device i.e., a ventilator vs. a bi-level PAP device is made based upon the severity of the condition. CMS distinguished the use of respiratory product types in a National Coverage Analysis Decision Memo (CAG-00052N) in June 2001:

RADs [bi-level PAP devices] provide noninvasive positive pressure respiratory assistance (NPPRA). Note that some studies in the literature refer to this as noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV).

NPPRA is the administration of positive air pressure, using a nasal and/or oral mask interface which creates a seal, avoiding the use of more invasive airway access. It may sometimes be applied to assist insufficient respiratory efforts in the treatment of conditions that may involve sleep-associated hypoventilation. It is distinguished from the invasive ventilation administered via a securely intubated airway, in a patient for whom interruption or failure of respiratory support leads to death.

The conditions described in the Respiratory Assistance Devices (RAD) local coverage determination are not life-threatening conditions where interruption of respiratory support would quickly lead to serious harm or death. These policies describe clinical conditions that require intermittent and relatively short durations of respiratory support. Thus, a ventilator would not be eligible for reimbursement for any of the conditions described in the RAD LCD even though the ventilator equipment may have the capability of operating in a bi-level PAP (E0470, E0471, E0472) mode. Bi-level PAP devices (E0470, E0471) are considered as R&N in those clinical scenarios.

A ventilator would not be considered reasonable and necessary (R&N) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, as described in the PAP LCD, even though the ventilator equipment may have the capability of operating in a CPAP (E0601) or bi-level PAP (E0470) mode.

Claims for ventilators used for the treatment of conditions described in the PAP or RAD LCDs will be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

UPGRADES

An upgrade is defined as an item that goes beyond what is medically necessary under Medicare's coverage requirements. In some cases, CMS’ policy that allows for billing of upgrade modifiers can be used when providing an item or service that is considered beyond what is medically necessary. This is NOT applicable to ventilators in the situations described above.

Although the use of a ventilator to treat any of the conditions contained in the PAP or RAD LCDs is considered “more than is medically necessary”, the upgrade billing provisions may not be used to provide a ventilator for conditions described in the PAP or RAD LCDs. CPAP and bi-level PAP items are in the Capped-Rental payment category while ventilators are in the Frequent and Substantial Servicing payment category. Upgrade billing across different payment categories is not possible.

PRICING CATEGORY

Ventilators are classified in the Frequent and Substantial Servicing (FSS) payment category. FSS items are those for which there must be frequent and substantial servicing in order to avoid risk to the patient’s health. CMS designates the items which fall into this payment group. The monthly rental payment for items in this pricing category is all-inclusive meaning there is no separate payment by Medicare for any options, accessories or supplies used with a ventilator. In addition, all necessary maintenance, servicing, repairs and replacement are also included in the monthly rental. Claims for these items and/or services will be denied as unbundling.

COVERAGE OF SECOND VENTILATOR

Backup equipment must be distinguished from multiple medically necessary items which are defined as: identical or similar devices, each of which meets a different medical need for the beneficiary. Although Medicare does not pay separately for backup equipment, Medicare will make a separate payment for a second piece of equipment if it is required to serve a different purpose that is determined by the beneficiary’s medical needs.

The following are examples of situations in which a beneficiary would qualify for both a primary ventilator and a secondary ventilator:

• A beneficiary requires one type of ventilator (e.g. a negative pressure ventilator with a chest shell) for part of the day and needs a different type of ventilator (e.g. positive pressure ventilator with a nasal mask) during the rest of the day.

• A beneficiary who is confined to a wheelchair requires a ventilator mounted on the wheelchair for use during the day and needs another ventilator of the same type for use while in bed. Without two pieces of equipment, the beneficiary may be prone to certain medical complications, may not be able to achieve certain appropriate medical outcomes, or may not be able to use the medical equipment effectively.

Refer to the PAP and RAD LCDs and related Policy Articles for additional information on coverage, coding and documentation of these items.

For questions about correct coding, contact the PDAC Contact Center at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or e-mail the PDAC by completing the DME PDAC Contact Form located on the PDAC website: https://www.dmepdac.com/

Posted on April 28, 2014