How does Competitive Bidding affect you?
Physicians and Treating Practitioners – Exemptions
Physicians and treating practitioners (physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists) do not need a competitive bidding contract to receive payment for medically necessary walkers, folding manual wheelchairs, or competitively bid off-the-shelf (OTS) orthotics furnished to their own patients as part of their professional services. Furthermore, a physical or occupational therapist in private practice may furnish competitively bid off-the-shelf back and knee braces without submitting a bid and being awarded a contract, provided that the items are furnished only to the therapist’s own patients as part of the physical or occupational therapy service. Payment to physicians, treating practitioners, and therapists will be made based on the SPA for the item for the CBA where the beneficiary resides.
