Providers must submit a completed Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form to the TMHP Home Health Services Prior Authorization Department.
Unless otherwise noted in this handbook, a completed Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME) or Medical Supplies Physician Order Form prescribing the DME or supplies must be signed and dated by a physician and by the representative of the DME/Medical Supply provider familiar with the client before requesting prior authorization for all DME equipment and supplies. A current signature and date is valid for no more than 90 days prior to the date of the requested prior authorization or the initiation of service. The completed Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form must include the procedure codes and numerical quantities for services requested.
The completed, signed, and dated form must be maintained by the DME provider and the prescribing physician in the client’s medical record. The completed Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form with the original dated signature must be maintained by the prescribing physician.
To complete the prior authorization process by paper, the provider must fax or mail the completed Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form to the Home Health Services Prior Authorization Department and retain a copy of the signed and dated form in the client’s medical record at the provider’s place of business.
To complete the prior authorization process electronically, the provider must submit the prior authorization requirements through any approved electronic methods and retain a copy of the signed and dated Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form in the client’s medical record at the provider’s place of business.
The date last seen by the physician must be within the past 12 months unless a physician waiver is obtained. The physician’s signature on the Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form is only valid for 90 days before the initiation of services. The requesting provider may be asked for additional information to clarify or complete the request.
Providers must obtain prior authorization within three business days of providing the service by calling the TMHP Home Health Services Prior Authorization Department or faxing the Home Health Services (Title XIX) Durable Medical Equipment (DME)/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form.
To facilitate a determination of medical necessity and avoid unnecessary denials when requesting prior authorization, the physician must provide correct and complete information supporting the medical necessity of the equipment or supplies requested, including:
Purchased DME is anticipated to last a minimum of five years, unless otherwise noted, and may be considered for replacement when the time has passed or the equipment is no longer functional or repairable. A copy of the police or fire report, when appropriate, and the measures to be taken to prevent reoccurrence must be submitted.
Payment may be prior authorized for repair of purchased DME. Maintenance of rental equipment (including repairs) is the supplier’s responsibility. The toll-free number for the TMHP Home Health Services Prior Authorization Department is 1‑800‑925‑8957. Requests for repairs must include the cost estimate, reasons for repairs, age of equipment, and serial number.
