Novitas and First Coast have retired their Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Because the National Coverage Determination (NCD) for HBOT remains in place, theoretically coverage for HBOT should not change as a result. At least for the region(s) served by Novitas, a new LCD was going to be required because there was a discrepancy between CMS policy and the LCD with regard to physician supervision of HBOT. The Novitas LCD required “direct” physician supervision and CMS recently decided to let physicians and facilities determine whether HBOT supervision was direct or “general.” I will provide more information when it is available.
Dr. Fife is a world renowned wound care physician dedicated to improving patient outcomes through quality driven care. Please visit my blog at CarolineFifeMD.com and my Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/carolinefifemd/videos
It seems like the NCD is much less prescriptive than the LCD as far as what must be in place for outpatient services. The NCD does not state some of the conditions are only considered appropriate for in-patient treatment. Does that mean we are able to treat these wounds again?
Thank you for the work you’re doing!
Is there an expected timeline for an update from either MAC? Also, if operating under the general supervision directive I assume the HCP does not need to have the training requirement?