Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/59015
24 Mobility BY ELIZABETH DEPREY, Associate Editor NANTICOKE, Pa. – Many in the indus- try know Martin Szmal from his work at Pride Mobility Prod- ucts for the past 15 years, most recently as reimbursement coor- dinator for Quantum Rehab. He recently struck out on his own as a mobility reimbursement and compliance consultant, and is taking what he's learned about the industry and passing it on to pro- viders around the country. Szmal recently told HME News about his new venture, The Mobility Consultants. HME NEWS: What about your background prepared you to become a consultant? Martin Szmal: I've worked for a provider, a managed care organiza- tion, Medicare and a manufacturer. I've seen all these different aspects of the industry and I feel it's a good blend of experience. Mobility is all I do—it's my niche. I'm a member of AAHomec- are's Complex Rehab and Mobility Coun- cil and on the A-teams for all for DME MACs so I can keep track of all the WWW.HMENEWS.COM / APRIL 2012 / HME NEWS Szmal: 'Mobility is all I do—it's my niche' Martin Szmal industry changes. HME: What do you find providers want most from your company? Szmal: Most call me for docu- mentation review—to see if their paperwork would pass a prepay or post-pay audit. I also do a lot of mock audits to show them how they can improve. I also offer recovery assistance on denied claims and can act as an expert witness in front of an ALJ. HME: Why do mobility providers need outside help? Szmal: All types of providers have questions. Generally, they carry more lines than just mobility and it's really difficult to keep up with the changes that Medicare throws at them. Medicare doesn't provide guidance in one place; you have to look at several sources to know what they want. HME Make a World of Difference NEWSPOLL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Gulf Medical Services in Pen- sacola, Fla. "As a provider, I like the fact that it makes a required documentation beast virtually audit proof since CMS must approve every item—if the process truly works." Respondents say they like the idea of requiring prior authorizations—if it takes some of the risk out of the reimbursement process. "I, as well as the patient, would like to know upfront if Medicare is going to allow pay- ment for the item rather than dispense the chair and find out six months or even a year later that they disagree with the doc- tor's opinion for the item," said Dwayne McCormack of Grand Saline, Texas-based Medicine Chest Medical Supply. Eighty percent of respon- dents say they already submit prior authorizations for other payers. So they're familiar with the concept and they like the security it can pro- vide—if reimbursements are not delayed. "I support the prior authori- zation process for Medicare if they could make it as smooth as other insurance companies and not hold up payment," said Lanette Douglas, a bill- er at Louisville, Ky.-based Goulds Discount Medical. Most respondents who Build Award Winning Solutions don't support prior authoriza- tions had one of two concerns: increased paperwork and wait- ing time for patients. Despite these doubts, the majority of respondents think requiring prior authorizations could be a positive thing. "It's simple," said one respondent. "We can fight the denial for our customers before we purchase and deliv- er expensive equipment." HME Photograph by Care Solutions MEDTRADE BOOTH 1630 EZ-ACCESS is a registered trademark of Homecare Products, Inc. Text & images © 2012. All rights reserved. 2017