Documenting Medical Necessity When Ordering A Walker or Rollator

Ordering Assistive Devices

A major role we play in our patient’s treatment is ordering necessary equipment and assistive devices.  In order to order any type of equipment to be covered by medicare, we must document medical necessity.

Medical Necessity

A face-to-face evaluation is the first thing to take place. During this initial visit, you will evaluate your patient for mobility needs and determine what type of assistive device they need to maximize safety and independence.  The next question to answer is what causes mobility limitations? You may document that your “patient has mobilityy limitations due to diagnoses of unsteady gait, fall risk, and osteoarthritis and is incapable of independent mobility without AD.”

Next, answer what activities of daily living are prevented due to the mobility limitations? “Diagnoses of osteoarthritis prevent patient to go from bathroom for dressing and toileting in a reasonable time.” Note that the use of a walker will allow patient to go from bedroom to bathroom in reasonable time for dressing and toileting.

Once you determine why the AD is needed, ask is the patient able to use walker safely and add that a cane does not provide the needed support.  It is also important to document your patient’s height and weight when submitting a request for the walker or rollator.

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