General Question for the Week of April 10, 2017

Question:

Is there a cost to the hospital if an implantable device that originally cost $20,000 fails and is replaced by a device that costs $16,000 and for which the manufacturer gives a credit of $16,000?

Answer:

Detailed information about reporting and charging requirements when a device is furnished without cost to the hospital or when the hospital receives a full or partial credit for the replacement device can be found in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual, chapter 4, section 61.3.5 and 61.3.6 at https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c04.pdf. This policy took effect on January 1, 2014.