A4253 — Blood glucose test or reagent strips for home blood glucose monitor, per 50 strips
HCPCS/CPT
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Medicare Pricing
Work RVU
0.00
Facility
N/A
Non-Facility
N/A
Documentation Required
- A Standard Written Order (SWO) must be communicated to the supplier before a claim is submitted and WOPD must be received prior to delivery for DMEPOS base items that require WOPD.
- Practitioner must document beneficiary (or caregiver) training/competency with the specific device and provide a prescription that evidences training and testing frequency.
- For CGM initial coverage and continued coverage, the treating practitioner must document an in-person or Medicare-approved telehealth visit within six months prior to ordering and every six months thereafter to evaluate control and verify adherence to the CGM regimen.
- Practitioner must certify severe visual impairment (best corrected visual acuity 20/200 or worse in both eyes) or severe manual dexterity impairment when claiming E2100/E2101 as applicable.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Beneficiary has diabetes mellitus and the treating practitioner has concluded the beneficiary (or caregiver) has sufficient training using the prescribed device as evidenced by a prescription for appropriate supplies and testing frequency.
- Home blood glucose monitors with special features (HCPCS E2100, E2101) are covered when basic criteria are met and the practitioner certifies severe visual impairment (best corrected visual acuity 20/200 or worse in both eyes).
- HCPCS E2101 is covered when basic criteria are met and the practitioner certifies an impairment of manual dexterity severe enough to require the special monitoring system (coverage for manual dexterity is independent of visual impairment).
- Lancets (A4259), test reagent strips (A4253), glucose control solutions (A4256) and spring powered lancet devices (A4258) are covered for beneficiaries for whom the glucose monitor is covered.
- A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and related supplies are covered when all initial criteria are met: beneficiary has diabetes mellitus; practitioner documents sufficient training and issues a prescription; CGM is prescribed in accordance with FDA indications; beneficiary is either insulin-treated or meets documented criteria for problematic hypoglycemia; and the treating practitioner had an in-person or Medicare-approved telehealth visit within six months prior to ordering.
- When a CGM (E2102 or E2103) is covered, the related supply allowance (A4238 or A4239) is also covered consistent with the CGM coverage criteria.
1 Active Policy
L33822 — Glucose Monitors
J19
Related Codes
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