Surgical Dressings Quarterly Results of Targeted Probe and Educate Review

The Jurisdiction A, DME MAC, Medical Review Department is conducting a Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) review of HCPCS code(s) A6010, A6021, A6196, A6197, A6212 and A6252. The quarterly edit effectiveness results from July 2024 - September 2024 are as follows:

Based on dollars, the overall claim potential improper payment rate is 28%.

Top Medical Necessity Denial Reasons

  • Medical record documentation does not contain current clinical information which supports the reasonableness and necessity of the type and quantity of surgical dressings provided.
  • Medical record documentation does not support the use of alginate or other fiber gelling dressing covers for moderately to highly exudative full thickness wounds (e.g., stage III or IV ulcers).
  • Evaluation of the patient’s wound does not include the amount of drainage.

Top Technical Denial Reasons

  • Claim includes items which are not billable to the DME MAC.
  • Beneficiary was in an acute care hospital or skilled nursing facility on this date of service. Refer to Medicare Claims Processing Manual 100-04, Chapter 20, Sections 210-212.
  • No medical record documentation was received. Refer to Medicare Program Integrity Manual 100-08, Chapter 3, Section 3.2.3.8.

Educational Resources

Suppliers billing Medicare should be familiar with the documentation requirements and utilization parameters. Visit the Surgical Dressings 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 Oct 15 , 2024