Source: U.S. Rehab / Dan Fedor, VGM — June 19, 2024
Written Order Prior to Delivery (WOPD / SWO) — Base Item
- The WOPD is an SWO received prior to delivery, used for the base item only
- May only be written after the face-to-face encounter is completed
- If an LCMP wheelchair specialty evaluation is also required, the SWO cannot be written until both the face-to-face AND the LCMP eval are 100% complete (performed, signed, dated, and cosigned by the treating practitioner)
Who Must Write It
- Only the treating practitioner who completed the face-to-face may write the SWO for the PMD base (e.g., power wheelchair)
- No one else may fill in any content on this order
Format Requirements
- 100% handwritten with a wet signature and date, OR
- 100% electronic health record with an electronic signature
Supplier Role
- A supplier may provide a blank template listing the SWO elements to the treating practitioner
- A supplier must not fill in or complete any elements of the template
Detailed Written Order (DSWO) — Accessories, Options & Supplies
- Required prior to claim submission for all separately billed options, accessories, and/or supplies
- May be prepared by someone other than the treating practitioner
- Must still be reviewed and signed by a treating practitioner before submission
Key Flexibility — Signer Does Not Need to Match
The treating practitioner who signs the DSWO does not need to be the same practitioner who:
- Conducted the face-to-face encounter, or
- Wrote and signed the WOPD for the PMD base
Note
This is a recent change. Previously, the DSWO had to be signed by the same treating practitioner who did the face-to-face and wrote the base SWO.
Requirements for the Practitioner Signing the DSWO
They must:
- Verify that a qualifying face-to-face encounter occurred within six months prior to the date of the WOPD for the base item
- Have documentation of that qualifying face-to-face encounter
- Review and sign their order
Quick Reference
| Document | For | Who Can Prepare | Who Must Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOPD (SWO) | PMD base item | Treating practitioner only | Same treating practitioner |
| DSWO | Accessories, options, supplies | Anyone (including supplier staff) | Any treating practitioner |
Tags
billing PMD power-wheelchair SWO DSWO WOPD documentation complex-rehab