AAHKS has sent a comment letter to National Government Services, Inc. (NGS) during the open comment period for the local coverage determination regarding total joint arthroplasty (“Draft LCD”). NGS covers Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The Draft LCD is largely in alignment with the AAHKS/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Model Coverage Determination on Total Joint Arthroplasty. It recognizes the paramount role of the physician in determining the best course of patient care, noting that the “clinical judgment of the treating physician is always a consideration” if clearly documented. AAHKS concurs with NGS that the LCD should recognize that there may be patients for whom non-surgical medical management may not be appropriate, and the rationale in such cases should be documented in the medical records. AAHKS has also made suggestions for revisions to the policy. Read the letter.