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Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy Services Documentation Requirements

It is expected that the patient’s medical records reflect the need for care/services provided. The listing of records is not all inclusive. Providers must ensure all necessary records are submitted to support services rendered. They may include:

Check Brief Description
 

Diabetic wound(s)

  • Wagner grade classification (must be Wagner grade III or higher) with diagnositc testing to support Wagner greade
  • Patient has type 1 or 2 diabetes and has lower extremity wound due to diabetes
  • NCD does not cover surgical or injuries complicated by diabetes
  • Documentation supporting prior failed treatment using standard wound care
  • Documentationsupporting there were no measurable signs of healing for at least 30 consequative days of treatment when using standard wound therapy
  • Evaluation of wound at least every 30 days during administration of HBO therapy that supports evidence of measurable signs of healing
 

Standard Diabetic Wound Care Therapy Prior to Starting HBO

  • Assessment of patient’s vascular status and correction of problems, if applicable
  • Support of optimization of nutritional status
  • Support of optimization of glucose control
  • Support of debridement of the devitalized tissue
  • Support of wound care management that includes maintenance of a clean, moist bed of granulated tissue with appropriate moist dressing
  • Support of appropraite off-loading
  • Support of treatment to resolve infection
  The documentation submitted to a review entity should support the diagnosis used with HBO therapy. Clearly support wound measurements/assessments by providing documentation before and during HBO therapy.

 

Multiple CMS contractors are charged with completing reviews of medical records. See Identifying Which Entity Completed a Part A Claim Review for detailed information about each of these contractors.

Documentation Submission

Once a provider compiles all the necessary documentation, it is important to submit them to the appropriate contractor according to the request received. Select the request below to view the appropriate submission instructions.

View the Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy webpage for additional information and resources.

 

Last Updated Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:37:54 +0000

Documentation Requirements Disclaimer

The documentation requirements contents/references provided within this section were prepared as educational tools and are not intended to grant rights or impose obligations. Use of these documents are not intended to take the place of either written law or regulations.

The listing of records is not all inclusive. Providers must ensure all necessary records are submitted to support services rendered.

Important that physician intent, physician decision and physician recommendation to provide services derived clearly from the medical record and properly authenticated.

The submission of these records shall not guarantee payment as all applicable coverage requirements must be met.