A4253 Medicare coverage

Local coverage indication

Lancets (code A4259), blood glucose test reagent strips (code A4253), glucose control solutions (code A4256) and spring powered devices for lancets (code A4258) are covered for beneficiaries for whom the glucose monitor is covered. More than one spring powered device (code A4258) per 6 months is not reasonable and necessary.

Excerpt from LCD L33822 version 70, effective 10/01/2024. CMS LCD L33822.

What NCD 40.2 says the item is

CIM 60-11 There are several different types of blood glucose monitors that use reflectance meters to determine blood glucose levels. Medicare coverage of these devices varies, with respect to both the type of device and the medical condition of the patient for whom the device is prescribed. Reflectance colorimeter devices used for measuring blood glucose levels in clinical settings are not covered as durable medical equipment for use in the home because their need for frequent professional re-calibration makes them unsuitable for home use. However, some types of blood glucose monitors which use a reflectance meter specifically designed for home use by diabetic patients may be covered as durable medical equipment, subject to the conditions and limitations described below.

National coverage indication, NCD 40.2

Blood glucose monitors are meter devices that read color changes produced on specially treated reagent strips by glucose concentrations in the patient’s blood. The patient, using a disposable sterile lancet, draws a drop of blood, places it on a reagent strip and, following instructions which may vary with the device used, inserts it into the device to obtain a reading. Lancets, reagent strips, and other supplies necessary for the proper functioning of the device are also covered for patients for whom the device is indicated. Home blood glucose monitors enable certain patients to better control their blood glucose levels by frequently checking and appropriately contacting their attending physician for advice and treatment. Studies indicate that the patient’s ability to carefully follow proper procedures is critical to obtaining satisfactory results with these devices. In addition, the cost of the devices, with their supplies, limits economical use to patients who must make frequent checks of their blood glucose levels.

Excerpt from NCD 40.2 version 2. CMS NCD 40.2.

From A52464

In addition to policy specific documentation requirements, there are general documentation requirements that are applicable to all DMEPOS policies. These general requirements are located in the DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS section of the LCD. Refer to the LCD-related Standard Documentation Requirements article (A55426), located at the bottom of this Policy Article under the Related Local Coverage Documents section, for additional information regarding GENERAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS and the POLICY SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS discussed below. For beneficiaries who exceed the usual utilization amounts of BGM testing supplies, there must be sufficient information in the beneficiary’s medical record to determine that: The treating practitioner has had an in-person or Medicare-approved telehealth visit to evaluate the beneficiary’s diabetes control; and, The specific quantities of supplies ordered are reasonable and necessary; and, The beneficiary is actually testing at a frequency that corroborates the quantity of supplies that have been dispensed (e.g., a specific narrative statement that adequately documents the frequency at which the beneficiary is actually testing or a copy of the beneficiary's log).

CMS source A52464

From A55426, Standard Documentation Requirements for All Claims Submitted to DME MACs

GENERAL There are numerous CMS manual requirements, reasonable and necessary (R&N) requirements, benefit category, and other statutory and regulatory requirements that must be met in order for payment to be justified. In the event of a claim review, a DMEPOS supplier must provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the applicable criteria have been met thus justifying payment. Before submitting a claim to Medicare, the DMEPOS supplier must have on file an SWO, a WOPD (if applicable), information from the treating practitioner concerning the patient's diagnosis, and any information required for the use of specific

CMS article A55426