[Margie]

HI

my mother had a hoyer lift. she passed away 1/7/11. The company has billed a claim dated 1/7/11. I believe they picked it up on 1/10/11. It appears the claim processed at Medicare. Are monthly charges allowed, if not kept the entire month?

Thanks

[HEATHER]

My sympathies on the loss of your mother. If the patient and the equipment were in the home on the service date billed, the company is entitled to the rental fee for that month. This type of equipment is a monthly rental - charges are not pro-rated.

[Margie]

Mom was NOT in her home. (does that make a difference) ? She was inpt on a hospice unit. (our plan was to bring her back home). Of course, I didn't think to notify the company until after she passed away.

Thanks for your reply and condolences.

[twiedemer]

You should notify the provider that she was not in her home and they should refund the payment. Or Medicare will actually eventually find it themselves and request a refund. DME is not covered if the patient is not in the home the date of billing.

[Margie]

OK, thanks for the info