Manual Wheelchairs Quarterly Results of Targeted Probe and Educate Review

The Jurisdiction D, DME MAC, Medical Review Department is conducting a Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) review of HCPCS code(s) K0001 and K0003. The quarterly edit effectiveness results from January 2024 - March 2024 are as follows:

Based on dollars, the overall claim potential improper payment rate is 56%.

Top Medical Necessity Denial Reasons

  • Documentation does not demonstrate Criterion B - the beneficiary’s mobility limitation cannot be sufficiently resolved by the use of an appropriately fitted cane or walker.
  • Documentation does not demonstrate Criterion D - use of the manual wheelchair will significantly improve the beneficiary’s ability to participate in mobility related activities of daily living (MRADLs) and the beneficiary will use it on a regular basis in the home.
  • Documentation does not demonstrate Criterion C - the beneficiary’s home provides adequate access between rooms, maneuvering space and surfaces for use of the manual wheelchair that is provided.

Top Technical Denial Reasons

  • Beneficiary was in an acute care hospital or skilled nursing facility on this date of service.
  • Documentation was not received in response to the Additional Documentation Request (ADR) letter.
  • Documentation does not include a standard written order (SWO).

Educational Resources

Suppliers billing Medicare should be familiar with the documentation requirements and utilization parameters. Visit the Manual Wheelchairs webpage to access coverage documents (Local Coverage Determination (LCD), Policy Article, National Coverage Determination (NCD)); documentation letters, forms, and checklists; reviews; tips; tools; resources; related articles; and educational events and tutorials, if applicable.

See the CMS Internet Only Manual (IOM), Publication 100-08, Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 3 information about probe/error validation reviews.

Last Updated Apr 24 , 2024