Medicare Payments for Positive Airway Pressure Devices Used for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Generally Complied With Medicare Requirements

OBJECTIVE

Beneficiaries receiving continuous positive airway pressure or respiratory assist device (collectively known as positive airway pressure (PAP) devices) therapy require replacement of supplies (e.g., mask, tubing, headgear, and filters) when they wear out or are exhausted. Medicare payments for these replacement supplies in 2017 and 2018 were approximately $945.8 million. Prior OIG work found that most Medicare claims that suppliers submitted for replacement PAP device supplies did not comply with Medicare requirements. For supplies and accessories used periodically, orders must specify the type of supplies needed, the frequency of use, if applicable, and the quantity to be dispensed, and suppliers must not automatically ship refills on a predetermined basis (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Pub. 100-08, Ch. 5, §§ 5.2.3 and 5.2.8). We will review claims for frequently replaced PAP device supplies at selected suppliers to determine whether documentation requirements for medical necessity, frequency of replacement and other Medicare requirements are met.

TIMELINE

• September 1, 2021
  Announced
• Today
  Office of Audit Services In-Progress
• Est FY2026
  Estimated Fiscal Year for Project Completion

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