OIG Calls for Cuts in Medicare Rates for Back Orthoses

The OIG is calling on CMS to lower Medicare payment for certain back orthosis products, either by subjecting these products to the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program or by making an inherent reasonableness adjustment. This recommendation stems from the OIG’s findings that Medicare payment amounts far exceeded supplier acquisition costs for lumbar-sacral orthoses billed under L0631. Specifically, between July 2010 and June 2011, the average Medicare-allowed amount for L0631 was $919, compared to the average supplier acquisition cost of $191, resulting in Medicare paying an estimated $37 million more than supplier costs.  Please click here for more information