Section 15: Durable Medical Equipment/Supplies

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The North Carolina Industrial Commission has adopted nearly 1,100 HCPCS billing codes to describe supplies and equipment used in workers’ compensation treatment. However, the Commission has not yet incorporated into its fee schedule all of the HCPCS level codes for supplies and equipments. For example, none of the “J” codes have been adopted. If an HCPCS code is billed, and the code does not have a fee assigned in the Commission schedule, the Commission will allow a provider to use CPT code 99070. The provider is entitled to 20% above invoice cost for these codes only.

If a custom-made orthotic or prosthetic is not contained in the Commission schedule, these items should be paid per agreement between provider and payor.

Procedure for Submission of Invoices for Durable Medical Equipment and Rate of Payment
Effective August 1, 2008

When a charge for durable medical equipment (DME) code is not on the fee schedule and exceeds $100.00, the insurance carrier, self-insured employer or third party administrator may request an invoice from the medical provider and shall pay at the invoice cost plus twenty percent (20%). When the charge is $100.00 or less, the insurance carrier, self-insured employer or third party administrator shall pay the medical provider the charge billed without requesting an invoice.