Home Health & Hospice Week

• If you're confused about Medicare coverage for diabetic patients' blood glucose self-testing supplies and equipment, you may want to consult a new MLN Matters article from CMS.

Covered supplies include blood glucose monitors, blood glucose test strips, lancet devices, and lancets, and glucose control solutions for checking the accuracy of testing equipment and test strips, the April 16 article notes.

Tip: "Medicare Part B covers the same type of blood glucose testing supplies for people with diabetes whether or not they use insulin," the article noted. "However, the amount of supplies that are covered varies. For instance, insulin-dependent patients qualify for coverage of up to 100 test strips and lancets per month, whereas Medicare covers 100 test strips and lancets only every three months for non-insulin-dependent patients.

Patients must have a valid prescription noting: the items that should be dispensed and the quantity of items, the frequency of testing, whether the patient is insulin-treated, the physician's signature,the signature date, and the start date of the order (if it's different than the signature date).

The article is online at www.cms.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE1008.pdf.