The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a future effective article regarding the local coverage determination (LCD) policy for polysomnography (L36593) that affects Medicare contractor Palmetto GBA for Medicare Jurisdictions J and M. This article revises the date that sleep centers must obtain accreditation to July 1, 2018, in order to continue to render services to Medicare beneficiaries and submit claims to Palmetto GBA.
In addition, outpatient sleep centers affiliated with a hospital that is currently accredited through the hospital’s accreditation will now be required to obtain separate ambulatory care accreditation for the sleep center. This accreditation must be obtained by Oct. 1, 2018.
Facilities seeking accreditation to meet this LCD revision qualify for the AASM’s Expedited Accreditation program for sleep facilities impacted by recent changes to Medicare coverage policies for sleep studies. Depending on a facility’s responsiveness and the thoroughness of its application, the AASM may be able to issue an accreditation decision 2 to 4 weeks after application submission.
To request participation in the expedited accreditation program, or for more information, sleep facilities can contact the AASM Accreditation Department at 630-737-9700 or accreditation@aasm.org.
