[HEATHER]

Today is the first time I have heard anything about the Mandatory Face to
Face Vistis for ALL DME. A face to face for all HME will:

1. Leave patients waiting for days (or longer?) before they can receive
their equipment because either the physician has not produced the chart
note, has not yet seen the patient to discuss the equipment, or the chart
note doesn't mention the equipment making another appt necessary;
2. Cost Medicare more money to pay for those office visits, ER trips and
hospital admits to treat injuries incurred while patient was waiting for
equipment;
3. Cost the patient both money to pay the 20% on these visits, and possible
further injury and/or longer recovery times. Not to mention how hard this
will all be on the caregivers.

Meanwhile they are holding claims beginning April 1st to make sure the
doctors don't lose any % of their reimbursement. Does anyone have any more
specifics on this face to face lunacy? Details? Projected effective date?