DME in Hospital Setting

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

I'm interested in how other hospitals handle DME for inpatients. Our

organization has apparently lost it's accredited status as a DME

provider (not sure how), so we're seeing denials. The application to

become re-accredited is quite expensive, so we're looking at other

options. I'm aware that DME provided to inpatient is not covered by

Medicare unless the patient is discharged to home within 48 hours of

providing the equipment. But we're being denied for all DME, regardless

of discharge date. Here are my questions:

1. If your facility is also not accredited, how do you handle DME for

inpatients?

2. Do you work with an outside vendor? If so, does the vendor bill the

patient's insurance, or does your facility?

3. If your facility does the billing, are you receiving denials?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Christen, PT

Director of Rehabilitation Services

FHN

Freeport, IL