Ankle-Foot Orthosis 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) L1940, L4360 and L4361. The quarterly edit effectiveness results from April 2024 - June 2024 are as follows:

Based on dollars, the overall claim potential improper payment rate is 11%.

Top Medical Necessity Denial Reasons

  • Medical record documentation indicates the item is needed during post-operative recovery; however the surgery has not yet taken place.
  • Medical record documentation does not indicate medical necessity for the item at the time of delivery.

Top Technical Denial Reasons

  • Claims history indicates same or similar durable medical equipment within the last five years. Refer to Medicare Claims Processing Manual 100-04, Chapter 20, Section 50.1.
  • Documentation does not include verification that the equipment was lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged in a specific incident. Refer to Medicare Claims Processing Manual 100-04, Chapter 20, Section 50 & Standard Documentation Requirements A55426.
  • Claim was submitted with an incorrect modifier. Refer to Medicare Claims Processing Manual 100-04, Chapter 20 & LCDs.

Educational Resources

Suppliers billing Medicare should be familiar with the documentation requirements and utilization parameters. Visit the Orthotics 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 Jul 31 , 2024