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THE 12/06 OXIMETRY TESTING FAQ
A document titled "Oximetry Testing FAQ," dated December 1, 2006, was posted on a number of MAC and Program Safeguard Contractor (PSC) Web sites, including the Web site of TrustSolutions LLC, the Jurisdiction C PSC. One of the questions addressed in the document is whether there are any situations in which a supplier is permitted to contact a physician about the need for an oximetry test. That question is answered as follows: Suppliers are reminded that only a physician may order an oximetry test. However, a supplier would be permitted to contact the physician or the beneficiary about the need to obtain an oximetry test under these circumstances:
- A supplier furnishing oxygen to a beneficiary may contact the beneficiary or the physician as a reminder if a recertification oximetry test is needed, or if testing is required for other reasons such as a change in insurance.
- A supplier with an initial order for oxygen where no oximetry test has been performed—or where the tests results are expired or invalid (such as if the test was performed 3 days before discharge instead of 2)—may contact the physician or the beneficiary to inform them that a new test is required.
- As part of a clinical evaluation for patients receiving respiratory services from a supplier, the supplier may communicate the beneficiary's symptoms to the physician. The physician may use this information to determine what further assessment should be performed to evaluate the beneficiary's condition.
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