Briefly...

• By Laurie Watanabe
• May 02, 2023

Noridian Posts NCD, PA for Urological Supplies

April 27 changes to the DME MAC Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and Policy Article (PA) for urological supplies have been revised and posted on the Noridian Healthcare Solutions Web site. 

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Noridian’s May Educational Events Focus on Oxygen & PAP

Noridian has also posted its May educational events, which include an oxygen and PAP mini-series on initial coverage criteria, continued coverage, and billing and modifiers; sessions on pressure-reducing support surfaces, Groups 1, 2, and 3; and knee orthoses. Check the Noridian events schedule for details. 

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Study: Obesity Linked to COPD in Women, Not Men

As reported in the American Journal of Managed Care, a new study on abdominal obesity and general obesity linked those conditions to respiratory problems in adults, and to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) in women, but not in men.

The results of the study, published in Respiratory Medicine, included the finding that “both general and abdominal obesity were independently associated with respiratory problems in adults,” researchers said. “However, asthma and COPD were significantly associated with abdominal and general obesity in women only.”

The study included data from more than 12,000 people from 2010 to 2012. 

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CMS Seat Elevation Funding Decision Expected in May

Complex Rehab Technology clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers and consumers are on the watch for a final decision this month on Medicare power wheelchair seat elevation coverage from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

In its April 28 newsletter, NCART said it “is working actively with the ITEM Coalition and other advocates as this process moves forward. Efforts to urge CMS to take needed action in establishing coverage for power standing systems are also ongoing.”