On May 28, CMS published a proposed rule recommending a prior authorization process for certain durable medical equipment. The rule identified a “master list” of DME items—including CPAP therapy and respiratory assist devices (RADs)—which could be subject to a proposed prior authorization process.
According to a press release issued last week, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) strongly disagrees with this proposal, which AASM officials say threatens to cause significant delays in the delivery of critical therapy for Medicare patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Last week, the AASM submitted a comment letter discouraging CMS from implementing the proposed rule.
AASM members are encouraged to submit their own comments regarding the detrimental effect this rule could have on the Medicare population via the Federal Register website.