Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

Just because you provide a sample as part of care during a visit doesn't mean compliance concerns don't apply. Question: What should a physician practice consider when providing free samples of a medication in conjunction with an office visit procedure? The nurse administers the medication as part of the care during the visit. Answer: For starters, the practice should not bill the patient or any payer for the medication, advises attorney Chris DeMeo, in Houston, Texas. And "don't use the samples as a way to induce patients to the practice." For example, you wouldn't advertise or promote the availability of the medication even informally through word of mouth, he adds. Also consider implementing a "one and done" policy where if a patient wants to receive the medication, the physician gives him a prescription for it, DeMeo advises. "The physician should advise the patient of this plan at the time the [...]