NC Medicaid Respiratory Equipment and Supplies
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Coverage rules, prior authorization, provider requirements, and service delivery for respiratory durable medical equipment and supplies under the NC Medicaid Clinical Coverage Policy 5A-2; applies to Clear Health Alliance beneficiaries enrolled in a Prepaid Health Plan (PHP).
No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.
Coverage & General Criteria
inv-01: Coverage structure (overview)
The policy structures coverage into general and specific coverage sections, exclusions, prior approval requirements, and documentation requirements.
Table of Contents indicates detailed subsections referenced here.
inv-02: General Coverage Categories and Rules
Coverage and classification rules determine whether items are purchased, rented, or reviewed individually and reference Attachment A for codes and lifetime expectancies.
Refer to Attachment A, Section C for HCPCS, lifetime expectancies and quantity limits.
inv-03: EPSDT Coverage Criteria
EPSDT provides an exception-to-policy pathway for beneficiaries under 21.
Request an EPSDT review via NCTracks for beneficiaries under 21 when requesting items not listed in Attachment A Section C.
inv-04: General DME Coverage Criteria
Covered when ALL of the following are met:
Refer to Subsection 5.3 for documenting medical necessity.
inv-05: Oxygen therapy medical necessity by age and blood gas/pulse oximetry
Oxygen therapy is covered when the following age-based and diagnostic criteria are met:
EPSDT may allow exceptions for beneficiaries under 21.
Group I and Group II specifics in child nodes.
inv-06: Group II oxygen criteria
Group II requires borderline hypoxemia plus one defined comorbid condition.
Only one of the listed comorbid conditions is required in addition to the borderline hypoxemia.
inv-07: Qualifying oxygen analysis
Qualifying oxygen analyses must meet timing, setting, and independence rules.
Referring physicians may perform tests as part of routine care if no conflict of interest exists.
inv-08: Oxygen prior approval and recertification
Prior approval durations and recertification rules for oxygen:
Repeat testing not required for replacement; timing and re-evaluation visit windows specified.
inv-09: RAD medical necessity criteria
RADs and related accessories are covered when disorder-specific respiratory criteria are met.
Any one of the listed criteria is sufficient for restrictive disorders.
All listed elements required for severe COPD RAD coverage.
All conditions required; age-specific AHI allowances noted for pediatrics in policy.
inv-10: RAD with back-up rate escalation criteria
Criteria to escalate a RAD to one with a back-up rate:
All specified conditions apply when requesting upgrade to back-up rate. A RAD with back-up is not medically necessary if primary diagnosis is OSA.
inv-11: CPAP/BiLevel OSA criteria and renewal
CPAP and BiLevel for OSA are covered when polysomnography confirms severity and renewal requires documentation of ongoing use.
Polysomnograms performed by medical equipment providers are not accepted.
Documentation must be provided for substitution.
Auto-titrating CPAP billed same as CPAP; humidifiers covered when specified.
inv-12: Home ventilator coverage
Home ventilators are covered for specific disease categories and interfaces.
Coverage for noninvasive interface requires meeting criteria a–c (not included in this excerpt).
The policy’s Table of Contents shows that the COVERAGE CRITERIA section includes both standard coverage headings and explicit references to "When the Procedure, Product, or Service Is Not Covered" and "Specific Criteria Not Covered." These TOC entries indicate that formal "Not Covered" rules appear elsewhere in the policy and should be consulted when evaluating exclusions.
Within the excerpt provided there are no item-level exclusions spelled out; the material in this window primarily lists Attachments A–C (claims, coding, and claim completion instructions) and the overall policy sections. Specific equipment or circumstance exclusions are documented in the later "Not Covered" subsections referenced in the table of contents.
For beneficiaries under age 21, the EPSDT special provision applies: services, products, or procedures that are medically necessary to correct or ameliorate a condition identified through screening must be covered so long as the service is safe, effective, and not experimental. EPSDT does not require coverage of services that are unsafe, ineffective, experimental/investigational, or not medical in nature.
The policy specifies that devices and supplies are not covered when provided solely for beneficiary or caregiver convenience, for backup/duplication at multiple locations, in settings where inpatient payment includes room and board (unless a discharge plan is established), when covered by another agency, or when related to hospice diagnoses per the Hospice Services policy.
Portable oxygen systems that are used only on a standby basis are expressly not covered, with a single exception: coverage is allowed in the case of a fragile infant with a tracheostomy. Additionally, when oxygen coverage is limited to sleep-only use (Group I sleep desaturation), portable oxygen is not covered for that indication.
Polysomnograms performed by a medical equipment provider are not acceptable for initial RAD/CPAP/BiLevel prior approval; the policy states such studies will not be accepted and claims relying on them will be denied as not medically necessary.
The Table of Contents includes TOC references to "When the Procedure, Product, or Service Is Not Covered" and "Specific Criteria Not Covered," indicating that detailed "Not Covered" rules are placed later in the document (see the Not Covered sections and Attachment references for full details).
General not-covered conditions include: the beneficiary does not meet Section 2.0 eligibility; the beneficiary does not meet the coverage criteria in Section 3.0; the service duplicates another provider's service; or the procedure/product is experimental, investigational, or part of a clinical trial. These are bases for denying coverage.
A Respiratory Assist Device (RAD) with a back-up rate is specifically not medically necessary when the primary diagnosis is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); therefore use of a RAD with back-up for primary OSA is not an appropriate upgrade from standard OSA therapies.
Coding, Procedure & Attachment References
| 25C28 41 | document header code/string as printed |
| No codes listed |
| ICD-10-CM | International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification referenced for diagnosis coding |
| PCS | Procedural Coding System (PCS) referenced for inpatient procedure coding |
| Procedure Codes (see Attachment A pages 42+) | Procedure code(s) section referenced for claims submission |
| Modifiers (see Attachment A page 47) | Modifier codes guidance referenced |
| Billing Units (see Attachment A page 47) | Billing unit reporting guidance referenced |
| ICD-10-CM | International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) referenced for claims |
| PCS | Procedural Coding System (PCS) referenced |
| Procedure Code(s) | Procedure codes listed in Attachment A (exact codes not present in this excerpt) |
| Modifiers | Modifier requirements referenced in Attachment A |
| Billing Units | Billing units guidance referenced in Attachment A |
| Place of Service | Place of service codes referenced in Attachment A |
| ICD-10-CM | International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) |
| PCS | Procedural Coding System (PCS) |
| Procedure Code(s) | Procedure Code(s) (specific codes not included in this excerpt) |
| Modifiers | Modifiers (specific modifiers not included in this excerpt) |
| Billing Units | Billing Units (details not present in this excerpt) |
| Place of Service | Place of Service (details not present in this excerpt) |
| No codes listed |
| No codes listed |
| No codes listed |
| No codes listed |
| No codes listed |
| No codes listed |
| See Attachment A, Section C | Procedure Code(s) and HCPCS codes list referenced in Attachment A, Section C of the policy |
| See Attachment A, Section B | ICD-10-CM and PCS coding reference in Attachment A |
| No codes listed |
| No codes listed |
Prior Authorization, Documentation & Billing Actions
Prior authorization required per policy
The policy includes a Prior Approval section and states that Medicaid requires prior approval for certain medical equipment and supplies; items that require prior approval are identified on the Durable Medical Equipment Fee Schedule and prior approval is valid for the period on the CMN/PA form (a new CMN/PA is required for a longer period).
- Items requiring prior approval are listed on the DME Fee Schedule (Medicaid website).
- Prior approval validity is the period approved on the CMN/PA; extend beyond that requires a new CMN/PA.
Prior authorization (not specified here)
This extract contains table-of-contents and attachment references but does not list specific procedure codes or explicit prior authorization code requirements in these chunks; see Attachment A and other policy sections for code-level PA rules.
- Attachment A (Claims-Related Information) includes Procedure Code(s) and related coding guidance (pages referenced).
- Specific CPT/HCPCS codes and PA triggers are in the full policy attachments, not in this excerpt.
Prior authorization (see main policy)
The document references prior approval requirements but this fragment does not include specific code lists or explicit PA rules; providers must refer to the main policy and Attachment A/Section C for the authoritative code and PA requirements.
- Refer to Attachment A, Section C for HCPCS codes, lifetime expectancies, and quantity limits.
- Items not listed in Attachment A Section C or the fee schedule require submission for prior approval review of medical necessity.
Procedure codes and authorization
Attachment A contains the Procedure Code(s) section and related coding guidance which govern claims submission and any prior authorization implications; providers must consult Attachment A (Procedure Code(s), Modifiers, Billing Units) when determining authorization and billing.
- Attachment A subsections include Procedure Code(s), Modifiers, Billing Units, and Place of Service.
- Procedure codes and fee schedule determine which items require prior approval.
Prior authorization (not specified here)
This portion of the document references claims-related attachments and administrative requirements but does not contain explicit prior authorization rules in the provided pages; code-level PA rules are located in the referenced attachments.
- Attachment A and related attachments list claim type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, procedure codes and modifiers.
- Specific PA requirements are detailed elsewhere in the policy and attachments.
Coding and claims impact on prior authorization
Attachment A lists coding and billing subsections (Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units) that influence prior authorization and claims submission; accurate coding per Attachment A affects PA determinations and claim adjudication.
- Required claim elements (ICD-10-CM, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service) are specified in Attachment A.
- Failure to follow Attachment A coding guidance may affect PA and claims outcomes.
Prior authorization (not specified here)
This extract references policy sections and Attachment A but does not state specific prior authorization requirements or affected codes in these chunks; providers must consult the full policy attachments for PA criteria.
- Attachment A: Claims-Related Information is referenced for detailed coding and PA implications.
- Policy implementation and attachments contain the operative PA lists.
Prior authorization not specified in extracted text
The excerpt does not include explicit prior authorization rules or affected CPT/HCPCS codes; prior authorization requirements are likely found in the full policy and Attachment A/Section C.
- Attachment A Section C and the DME fee schedule list HCPCS and PA-related items.
- Providers submitting requests for items not on the list must request prior approval for medical necessity.
Prior authorization (not specified here)
This excerpt lists attachments covering procedure codes and claim information but does not specify prior authorization requirements here; consult Attachment A and the DME fee schedule for explicit PA code lists.
- Attachment A covers Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service, Co-payments, and Reimbursement.
- Attachment B and C address provision at discharge and completing claims.
Prior authorization referenced in policy attachments
This segment references implementation/revision information and attachments but does not contain specific prior authorization code lists in this extracted text; providers should review the referenced attachments for PA and claims details.
- Policy implementation and Attachment A are cited as the location for claims and code guidance.
- Specific PA criteria and code lists are in Attachment A/Section C.
Prior authorization — see main policy
The document references policy sections and attachments for claims and coverage; specific prior authorization requirements and affected codes are detailed in the main policy and attachments (not present in this excerpt).
- Attachment C provides instructions for completing claims for DME/EN services.
- Attachment A contains the claims-related elements that inform PA and billing.
Prior authorization (no rules in this excerpt)
This excerpt references policy implementation and claims procedures but does not include specific prior authorization rules or code-level PA requirements in the provided chunks.
- Sections 7.0–8.0 and Attachment A are cited for compliance, record keeping and claims guidance.
- PA specifics are located in other sections/attachments.
Prior approval required for unlisted items
Items not listed in Attachment A Section C or the DME fee schedule must be submitted for prior approval review of medical necessity; for beneficiaries under 21 request an EPSDT review via NCTracks.
- Unlisted items require prior approval review of medical necessity.
- EPSDT review is required for beneficiaries under age 21 (use NCTracks).
Prior approval required for certain DME
Prior approval is required for certain DME and supplies listed on the Durable Medical Equipment Fee Schedule; providers must submit the prior approval request and supporting records to the DHHS Utilization Review Contractor and the CMN/PA governs the approved time period.
- Prior approval requests and supporting health records must be submitted to the DHHS Utilization Review Contractor.
- CMN/PA form indicates approved time period; a new CMN/PA is needed for extended need.
Prior authorization required (oxygen/RAD/CPAP/BiLevel initial approvals timing)
Initial prior approval is required for oxygen, RAD, CPAP, and BiLevel devices; initial oxygen approvals are 12 months for beneficiaries under 21 or those qualifying under Group I, and three months for Group II; initial prior approval for RAD/CPAP/BiLevel is six months.
- Oxygen initial approval: 12 months (under-21 or Group I) with continuation rules; Group II initial approval: 3 months with continuation rules.
- RAD and CPAP/BiLevel initial prior approval period: 6 months.
EPSDT considerations (prior approval exceptions for <21)
For beneficiaries under 21, EPSDT procedures may allow exceptions to policy limitations if services are medically necessary and similarly efficacious alternatives are considered; request an EPSDT review via NCTracks.
- EPSDT exceptions can permit coverage beyond standard policy limits for beneficiaries <21.
- EPSDT review must be requested through NCTracks.
Alternatives required for adults (document alternatives tried)
When requesting oxygen therapy for beneficiaries 21 and older, providers must document that alternative treatments have been tried or deemed clinically ineffective as part of the medical necessity documentation.
- Documentation must state that alternatives were tried/considered or deemed clinically ineffective.
- This is required in addition to qualifying blood gas or pulse oximetry results.
CPAP trial before advanced devices
For coverage of BiLevel with back-up rate or RAD with back-up escalation, CPAP must be considered or trialed first; documentation of an unsuccessful six-month CPAP trial or inability to tolerate CPAP is required for BiLevel coverage in the OSA context.
- BiLevel covered if unsuccessful six-month CPAP trial, inability to tolerate CPAP, or documented special needs by a sleep specialist.
- RAD back-up escalation rules require documented failure of non–back-up device and compliant use data as specified.
TOC indicates provider-facing sections on prior approval and documenting medical necessity
The table of contents and policy structure indicate provider-facing sections on prior approval and documenting medical necessity, but detailed procedural instructions are located in those named subsections rather than in this excerpt.
- See Section 5.2 Prior Approval Requirements and Section 5.3 Documenting Medical Necessity for operational details.
- Providers must supply a letter of medical necessity signed by the prescriber along with the CMN/PA.
Record keeping and claims documentation requirement reference
Providers must maintain records as required by Section 7.2 and coordinate care per Section 7.3; noncompliance with these sections may trigger administrative actions or audits.
- Record Keeping is addressed in Section 7.2 and Coordinating Care in Section 7.3.
- Noncompliance with Sections 7.1–7.3 can result in administrative denial or audit.
Claims submission documentation (Attachment A)
Attachment A contains claims-related information; providers must follow Attachment A guidance when submitting claims for DME respiratory equipment and supplies.
- Attachment A includes Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service, Co-payments and Reimbursement.
- Use Attachment C for completing claims for DME or EN services.
Record keeping and care coordination reference (7.1–7.3)
Sections 7.1–7.3 and Attachment A list record keeping, coordinating care, and claims requirements; providers must follow these instructions for documentation and claims submission.
- Follow Attachment A for coding, modifiers, billing units and place-of-service reporting.
- Attachment B addresses provision of DME and supplies on date of discharge.
Record keeping and claim documentation (Attachment A topics)
Attachment A enumerates claims documentation topics (Claim Type; ICD-10-CM/PCS; Procedure Codes; Modifiers; Billing Units; Place of Service; Co-payments; Reimbursement) that providers must follow when preparing claims.
- Required claim elements are specified in Attachment A and must be used on claim submissions.
- Incorrect or missing claim elements per Attachment A may lead to claim denial.
Record keeping referenced (section 7.2)
Record keeping is referenced in Section 7.2; providers must maintain documentation as described there and supply supporting medical records with prior approval requests.
- Prior approval requests must include the prior approval request and all health records supporting that the beneficiary meets specific criteria.
- Medical necessity must be documented by the prescriber (physician, PA, or NP) and may include a signed letter of medical necessity.
Claims documentation topics reference (Attachment A & C)
Attachment A and Attachment C contain claims-related and claim-completion instructions; providers must follow Attachment A coding and Attachment C claim completion procedures when submitting DME/EN claims.
- Attachment C: Completing a Claim for DME or EN Services provides claim completion instructions.
- Attachment A lists codes, modifiers, billing units and place-of-service requirements.
Claims documentation and billing sections (Attachment A)
Providers must follow Attachment A coding, modifiers, billing units, place of service, and reimbursement instructions when submitting DME claims; Attachment A pages are referenced for these specifications.
- Attachment A pages referenced (42–47) contain the claims and coding guidance.
- Failure to adhere to Attachment A may affect reimbursement.
Claims documentation and billing sections (Attachment A list)
Attachment A enumerates the specific fields and sections required on claims; providers should follow Attachment A and B instructions for documentation and claims submission though specific field values are not present in this excerpt.
- Attachment A includes Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service, Co-payments, and Reimbursement.
- Attachment B addresses provision of DME and supplies on the date of discharge.
Documentation of anticipated need and prior approval
Providers must document the anticipated duration of need (≤6 months or >6 months) to determine rental versus purchase; once rental is initiated a subsequent prior approval to purchase will be denied.
- Anticipated need ≤6 months = rental; >6 months may be rental or purchase.
- If rental is initiated, later purchase prior approval will be denied; accrued rental payments equal allowed purchase price make item beneficiary property.
Required submission and medical necessity documentation (prior approval to UR Contractor)
Providers must submit a prior approval request and all supporting health records to the DHHS Utilization Review Contractor; medical necessity must be documented by the prescriber via a signed letter of medical necessity and CMN/PA form.
- The prior approval request and all health records supporting that the beneficiary meets specific criteria must be submitted.
- Medical necessity must be documented by the prescriber; a signed letter of medical necessity may be attached to the CMN/PA.
Required documentation for oxygen prior approval (exam within 1 month, flow rate, frequency estimate)
For initial oxygen prior approval, the CMN/PA must include the prescriber's rationale, an exam within one month of therapy start listing diagnosis, the oxygen flow rate, and an estimate of frequency, duration and length of need, plus results of qualifying oxygen analysis (ABG or pulse oximetry).
- Prescriber's documentation must state why oxygen is indicated and include an exam within one month of start listing diagnosis and oxygen flow rate.
- Include results of qualifying oxygen analysis meeting the timing and independence requirements.
Polysomnogram documentation requirements for RAD/CPAP/BiLevel
For initial RAD, CPAP, or BiLevel prior approval, providers must submit a polysomnogram that meets Clinical Coverage Policy 1A-20 requirements; the polysomnogram must report a minimum of two hours recorded sleep without device and include staging, airflow, effort, and oximetry.
- Polysomnogram must be provided according to Clinical Coverage Policy 1A-20 and not performed by a medical equipment provider.
- Minimum of two hours recorded sleep without device and include sleep staging, airflow, respiratory effort, and oximetry.
Timing of qualifying oxygen analysis (inpatient adults: no earlier than 2 calendar days before discharge)
For qualifying oxygen analyses performed inpatient in adults, the reported test must be the one obtained closest to but no earlier than two calendar days before the hospital discharge date; outpatient tests must be during a chronic stable state.
- Inpatient adult test: closest to but no earlier than 2 calendar days prior to discharge.
- Outpatient test: during chronic stable state, not during acute illness or exacerbation.
Contact PHP for benefits/services questions
Contact the beneficiary's Prepaid Health Plan (PHP) for questions about benefits and services available on or after policy implementation; failure to contact the PHP may lead to confusion or denial of services.
- Providers should contact the beneficiary's PHP for benefits/services questions post-implementation.
- Not contacting the PHP may result in service/benefit confusion or denial.
Claims/billing risk (Attachment A/C reference)
Claims that do not follow Attachment A or Attachment C instructions — including missing or incorrect coding, modifiers, billing units, or incomplete claim forms — may be returned or denied; providers must adhere to Attachment A/C specifications.
- Attachment A lists required claim elements; Attachment C provides claim completion instructions.
- Noncompliant claims may be returned or denied.
Attachment A claims risk note
Attachment A includes claims-related instructions and modifier guidance; failure to follow Attachment A instructions when submitting claims may lead to claim denial.
- Attachment A sections include Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units and Place of Service.
- Use Attachment A pages 42–47 for codes, modifiers, billing units and place-of-service reporting.
Claims submission triggers (denial risk if not following Attachment A)
Claims may be denied if not submitted in accordance with Attachment A (Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units); ensure all required fields follow Attachment A specifications.
- Required fields include ICD-10-CM/PCS diagnosis coding, procedure codes, modifiers and billing units.
- Place of Service and reimbursement rules are also defined in Attachment A.
Claims submission accuracy (Attachment A required fields)
Claims-related information and required claim elements are specified in Attachment A; failure to submit correct diagnosis/procedure codes, modifiers, billing units, or place-of-service per Attachment A may trigger claim denials.
- Attachment A lists Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service, Co-payments and Reimbursement.
- Ensure claim data completeness to reduce denial risk.
Administrative noncompliance risk (sections 7.1–7.3)
Noncompliance with Sections 7.1 (Compliance), 7.2 (Record Keeping), and 7.3 (Coordinating Care) can result in administrative denials or audits; maintain required documentation and comply with these sections.
- Section 7.2 addresses Record Keeping requirements providers must follow.
- Section 7.1 addresses Compliance obligations that may be audited.
No explicit authorization triggers present in extract
This excerpt contains table-of-contents and attachment references but no explicit authorization triggers or denial criteria; providers must consult the full policy for specific PA triggers and denial criteria.
- PA triggers and denial criteria are documented in the full policy and attachments, not in this extract.
- Refer to Sections 5.0–5.3 and Attachment A/C for operational details.
Prior authorization (no explicit denial triggers in excerpt)
No explicit prior-authorization denial triggers are present in this excerpt; the document lists attachments and claims topics but specific denial rules are located in the detailed criteria sections.
- Specific denial triggers (e.g., failure to meet medical criteria) are in Section 3.0 and related subsections.
- Claims denials for insufficient documentation are covered by Attachment A/C guidance.
No explicit denial triggers present in these chunks
No explicit denial triggers are present in these chunks; the policy fragment primarily lists attachments and table-of-contents entries — see Sections 3.0 and 4.0 for denial criteria.
- Section 4.0 lists general criteria not covered (e.g., beneficiary not eligible, duplicates, experimental).
- Specific not-covered or denial criteria are in later sections.
Claims/coding errors may trigger denials (Attachment A details)
Claims and coding errors — including incorrect codes, missing modifiers, wrong billing units, or incomplete documentation — are detailed as causes for claim denials in Attachment A; providers must ensure coding accuracy.
- Attachment A provides coding, modifiers and billing unit guidance to prevent denials.
- Incorrect claim data per Attachment A may lead to denial or return of claims.
Claims-data related denial triggers
Claims-data related denial triggers are identified in Attachment A (Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service); ensure all required data elements match Attachment A requirements to avoid denials.
- Provide accurate ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and procedure codes per Attachment A.
- Report appropriate modifiers and billing units as specified.
Claim completion errors (Attachment C may cause return/denial)
Claims that do not follow the instructions in Attachment C (Completing a Claim for DME or EN Services) may be returned or denied; complete claims per Attachment C guidance.
- Use Attachment C instructions when completing DME or EN claim forms.
- Incomplete or incorrect claim completion can result in claim return or denial.
Purchase after rental denial risk
A subsequent request for prior approval of purchase will be denied when rental has been initiated on an item; providers must document anticipated need before initiating rental if purchase is intended.
- If anticipated need ≤6 months, item is rented; if >6 months may be rented or purchased but once rental starts purchase PA is denied.
- Accrued rental payments equal to Medicaid allowable purchase price transfer ownership to beneficiary.
General denial triggers (eligibility, coverage criteria, duplication, experimental)
Claims may be denied if the beneficiary does not meet eligibility (Section 2.0), does not meet coverage criteria (Section 3.0), the service duplicates another provider's service, or the service is experimental/investigational.
- Verify beneficiary eligibility and that the requested service meets Section 3.0 criteria before submitting PA or claims.
- Duplicate services or experimental procedures are not covered.
Polysomnogram requirements trigger denials
Claims for RAD, CPAP, or BiLevel devices and related accessories are denied as not medically necessary if required polysomnogram criteria are not met or if polysomnograms are performed by a medical equipment provider.
- Polysomnograms must meet Clinical Coverage Policy 1A-20 requirements and include at least two hours recorded sleep without device.
- Polysomnograms performed by a medical equipment provider are not accepted.
Noncompliance with use requirements may trigger denial at renewal
Failure to document compliant device use (average four hours per 24-hour period) at renewal is a basis for denial as not medically necessary; renewal prior approval for RAD and CPAP/BiLevel requires clinician confirmation of continued use.
- For RAD renewal, obtain statement of compliance declaring average 4 hours/24-hour use no sooner than the fifth month.
- For CPAP/BiLevel renewal, determine continued use and submit treating clinician statement no sooner than month five.
Equipment-Specific Medical Necessity & Rules
inv-119: Equipment-specific medical necessity (overview)
Medical necessity criteria are specified for each equipment category in their respective subsections.
Refer to subsections 5.3.1–5.3.6 for specifics.
inv-120: Rental and Purchase Medical Necessity Rules
Rental vs purchase is determined by anticipated need and certain items are rented due to servicing requirements.
The item becomes beneficiary property when accrued rental payments reach NC Medicaid allowable purchase price.
inv-121: Qualifying oxygen and blood gas criteria
Oxygen qualifying values, test timing, and independence requirements:
EPSDT exceptions may apply for under-21 beneficiaries.
Portable oxygen not covered when coverage limited to sleep-only use.
Referring physicians without conflict may perform tests.
inv-122: Oxygen reimbursement and equipment rules
Oxygen systems reimbursement and content rules:
Higher allowance for stationary flow >4 LPM requires a blood gas at 4 LPM meeting Group I/II; a modifier is required for the higher rate.
Refer to Attachment A Section D for modifier list.
inv-123: RAD payment and renewal
RAD reimbursement and renewal rules:
Humidifiers covered when specified.
Polysomnogram requirements for initial RAD requests apply where indicated.
inv-124: CPAP/BiLevel payment and renewal
CPAP/BiLevel reimbursement and renewal rules:
Auto-titrating CPAP billed same as CPAP; humidifiers covered when specified and prescribed.
BiLevel may be approved instead of CPAP after unsuccessful six-month CPAP trial or inability to tolerate CPAP.
Rental, Purchase & Capped Rental Policies
| Item / Category | Payment classification / rule |
|---|---|
| Oxygen equipment and related DME | Equipment requiring frequent and substantial servicing — rented (see Subsection 1.2). |
| Other durable medical equipment (general respiratory DME) | Rental or purchase determined by anticipated need: rented if ≤6 months; may rent or purchase if >6 months. Once rental initiated, subsequent purchase prior approval denied; item becomes beneficiary property when accrued rental payments reach NC Medicaid allowable purchase price. |
| Item / Category | Payment classification / rule |
|---|---|
| General DME / respiratory equipment (unspecified in excerpt) | Payment rules and coding guidance are provided in Attachment A (Claims-Related Information) — specific rental/purchase classification not detailed in this excerpt; follow Attachment A and Subsection 1.2 for determination. |
| Item / Category | Rental / Purchase / Capped rental rule |
|---|---|
| General DME and oxygen delivery items | If anticipated need ≤6 months — item is rented. If anticipated need >6 months — may be rented or purchased. Oxygen and items requiring frequent substantial servicing are categorized as rented. Refer to Attachment A Section C for fee schedule details. |
| Capped rental items | Capped rental restrictions apply; once rental initiated, subsequent prior approval for purchase is denied. Accrued rental payments may lead to beneficiary ownership when reaching allowable purchase price. |
| Item | Capped rental details |
|---|---|
| Capped rental items (general) | Capped rental items have restrictions on length of rental; items requiring prior approval are identified on the Durable Medical Equipment Fee Schedule. Refer to Subsection 1.2 for capped rental definitions and fee schedule guidance. |
| Capped rental DME | Policy note / action |
|---|---|
| Durable medical equipment designated as capped rental | Providers must submit prior approval requests for items identified on the DME Fee Schedule; capped rental items have length restrictions and require CMN/PA documentation. A new CMN/PA is required for longer periods than originally approved. |
| Device type | Payment classification / duration |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Assist Device (RAD) without back-up rate | Reimbursed as rental only; total monthly rental payments not to exceed the purchase price. Renewal prior approval requires compliance documentation (average 4 hours per 24-hour period) and clinician statement of ongoing medical necessity (no sooner than fifth month). |
| RAD with back-up rate | Reimbursed as continuous rental item. Upgrade to back-up rate requires meeting specified clinical and timing criteria per policy. |
| CPAP and BiLevel devices for OSA | Reimbursed as rental only; reimbursement not to exceed total monthly rental payments equal to purchase price. Initial prior approval period is six (6) months; renewal requires documentation of continued use and medical necessity (no sooner than month 5). |
| Item | Adjusted payment rule when criteria met |
|---|---|
| Stationary oxygen systems with flow >4 LPM | A higher allowance is payable (one-and-a-half times the standard rate) when a blood gas study performed while the beneficiary is on 4 LPM meets Group I or II criteria. A modifier must be added to the oxygen code; if modifier used, only the 1.5x rate is reimbursed and there will be no payment for a portable oxygen system. If criterion not met, payment limited to standard fee schedule allowance. |
Replacement & Lifetime Expectancy Guidance
Documenting Medical Necessity & Record Keeping
Document medical necessity per policy subsections
Providers must document medical necessity as described in the Documenting Medical Necessity subsections; a signed letter of medical necessity from the prescriber may be submitted with the CMN/PA for every item provided.
- Medical necessity must be documented by the prescriber (physician, PA, or NP) for every item.
- A signed letter of medical necessity may accompany the CMN/PA form.
Maintain records and submit claims per Attachment A guidance
Maintain records per Section 7.2 and submit claims in accordance with Attachment A guidance; record keeping and claims-related documentation are required for compliance and claim adjudication.
- Section 7.2 addresses record keeping requirements providers must follow.
- Attachment A provides the claim submission and coding guidance.
Follow Attachment A for claims submission
Providers must follow Attachment A when submitting claims for DME respiratory equipment and supplies; Attachment A lists required claim elements including Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes and Modifiers.
- Use Attachment A pages 42–47 for procedure codes, modifiers, billing units and place-of-service reporting.
- Attachment C contains instructions for completing a claim for DME/EN services.
Maintain records and coordinate care per Sections 7.1–7.3
Providers must maintain records and coordinate care according to Sections 7.1–7.3; these Additional Requirements are referenced throughout the policy and are necessary for compliance and prior approval support.
- Sections 7.1 Compliance, 7.2 Record Keeping and 7.3 Coordinating Care set provider obligations.
- Noncompliance may lead to administrative action.
Use Attachment A for codes, modifiers, and billing units
Use Attachment A (pages 42–47) for codes, modifiers, billing units and place-of-service when submitting DME claims; Attachment A details the claims-related coding and billing information providers must use.
- Attachment A subsections include Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units and Place of Service.
- Follow Attachment A specifications to reduce claim denials.
Submit claims with required coding, modifiers, billing units, and place-of-service
Submit claims with required diagnosis and procedure coding, appropriate modifiers, authorized billing units, and place-of-service per Attachment A to ensure correct adjudication and reimbursement.
- Report ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and PCS as required in Attachment A.
- Include appropriate modifiers and billing units specified in Attachment A.
Maintain records per Section 7.2
Maintain records per Section 7.2; the policy references record keeping requirements that providers must follow though detailed lists are in the full policy Section 7.2.
- Section 7.2 covers record keeping obligations for providers supplying DME.
- Keep documentation to support prior approval requests and continued medical necessity.
Follow Attachment A claims-related specifications
Follow Attachment A claims-related specifications when submitting claims (specific fields and codes are contained in Attachment A); providers should reference Attachment A for exact claim formatting and required elements.
- Attachment A lists Claim Type, ICD-10-CM/PCS, Procedure Codes, Modifiers, Billing Units, Place of Service, Co-payments and Reimbursement.
- Use Attachment C to complete DME/EN claims.
Follow Attachment A and B instructions for documentation and claims
Providers should follow Attachment A and B instructions for documentation and claims submission; Attachment B addresses provision of DME and supplies on the date of discharge and Attachment A contains the claims elements.
- Attachment B: Provision of DME and Supplies on the Date of Discharge from Specified Facilities.
- Attachment A: detailed claims-related information.
Follow Attachment A coding, modifiers, billing units and reimbursement instructions
Follow Attachment A coding, modifiers, billing units, place of service, and reimbursement instructions when submitting DME claims; these attachments provide the operative billing rules.
- Attachment A pages 42–47 contain claims and coding guidance.
- Adhere to Attachment A to ensure reimbursement and compliance.
Use Attachment C for completing claims
Use Attachment C for completing claims for DME or Enteral Nutrition services; Attachment C provides the required claim completion instructions referenced in the policy.
- Attachment C: Completing a Claim for DME or EN Services is on page 50.
- Follow Attachment C to avoid claim return or denial.
Follow Attachments A, B and C when billing/providing DME
Providers must follow the instructions in Attachment A, Attachment B, and Attachment C when billing and providing DME/supplies; these attachments collectively define claims, discharge provision, and claim completion requirements.
- Attachment A: Claims-Related Information; Attachment B: Provision on date of discharge; Attachment C: Claim completion.
- Adherence to attachments is required for compliant billing and provision.
Document anticipated need; prior approval for unlisted items; EPSDT for <21
Document the anticipated need duration (≤6 months or >6 months) to determine rental versus purchase and submit prior approval for items not listed in Attachment A Section C; for beneficiaries under 21 request an EPSDT review.
- Anticipated need documentation guides rental vs purchase decisions.
- Unlisted items require PA review; EPSDT review via NCTracks for <21.
Submit CMN/PA with signed LOMN and qualifying ABG/pulse oximetry
Submit a CMN/PA with a signed letter of medical necessity and qualifying ABG or pulse oximetry that meets the timing and independence requirements (initial analysis within one month before approved start date; tests must not be performed by supplier or vested-interest clinicians).
- CMN/PA must include prescriber's rationale and signed letter of medical necessity.
- Qualifying oxygen analysis must meet timing (within one month) and independence rules (not by supplier or vested-interest physician).
Required for initial oxygen prior approval (prescriber rationale, recent exam, flow rate, frequency estimate)
For initial oxygen prior approval the CMN/PA must include prescriber's rationale, documentation of an exam within one month listing diagnosis, the oxygen flow rate, and an estimate of frequency/duration/length of need plus the qualifying oxygen analysis results.
- Include prescriber's statement of why oxygen is indicated and exam within one month listing diagnosis and flow rate.
- Provide estimate of frequency, duration and length of need and ABG or pulse oximetry results.
Required for initial RAD/CPAP/BiLevel prior approval (polysomnogram rules)
For initial RAD, CPAP, or BiLevel prior approval, submit a polysomnogram that meets minimum recording and parameter requirements per Clinical Coverage Policy 1A-20 (minimum two hours recorded sleep without device; include staging, airflow, effort, and oximetry).
- Polysomnogram must not be performed by a medical equipment provider.
- Minimum two hours recorded sleep without device and include required sleep parameters.
Exclusions & Non-Covered Services
This excerpt does not list any discrete items under the NOT COVERED heading; the attachments and subsequent policy pages referenced in the TOC contain the detailed exclusion and claim-processing information.
The Table of Contents indicates a NOT COVERED section exists later in the full policy, but the details of specific non-covered equipment or conditions are not present in the provided excerpt.
Portable oxygen is not covered when oxygen coverage is limited to sleep-only indications under Group I (i.e., when oxygen is approved only for use during sleep there is no coverage for portable oxygen in that circumstance).
Portable oxygen systems used solely on a standby basis are not covered except for the specific exception of a fragile infant with a tracheostomy, which is allowed.
Policy Background & Scope
This policy governs respiratory durable medical equipment and supplies, including oxygen and oxygen delivery systems, respiratory devices for disorders other than OSA, high-frequency chest wall oscillation devices, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation devices, tracheostomy supplies, and other related DME. The table of contents shows coverage rules, prior approval, documenting medical necessity, and attachments for claims and coding that providers must follow when supplying respiratory DME to Clear Health Alliance beneficiaries.
Definitions & Attachments Overview
Contact & Implementation Notes
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