Beginning on "a date that will be announced in calendar year 2014," physical therapists (PTs) who order durable medical equipment (DME) for their patients will have to show that they met face-to-face with the patient within 6 months of writing the order. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has put off setting a deadline for compliance to this requirement, which was mandated by the Affordable Care Act, saying that some suppliers and providers may need more time to establish needed protocols.

Many providers and suppliers already know about and follow the policy, CMS commented in the September 9 notice, adding that they should continue to do so. CMS said it will address questions about the policy and will update its website at www.cms.gov/medical-review with any new information.