Complying With Payer-Specific SWO Requirements In DME Billing
Did you know? The new Medicare guidelines went into effect on January 1, 2021. It is now necessary to communicate a Standard Written Order (SWO) to a supplier before charging any durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items. Prior to the implementation of this new update requiring a SWO, a Detailed Written Order (DWO) was required. As a result of the CMS-1713 Final Rule, these new standards were renamed DWO to SWO. Overview of Standard Written Order (SWO) The SWO is an important document that serves as a prescription for DME and is required by Medicare and other insurance providers. It specifies the specific equipment, quantity, and period of use for each specified item. The SWO serves as proof that the DME supplier received a valid order from the treating healthcare provider. It assures appropriate documentation and aids in claim processing, lowering the chance of reimbursement denials or delays. Importance of Correct SWO Documentation It is cri...