Name of the Procedure:

Repair or Nonroutine Service for Durable Medical Equipment Other than Oxygen Equipment Requiring the Skill of a Technician, Labor Component, per 15 Minutes (K0739).

Common Name(s): DME Repair, Nonroutine DME Service
Technical/Medical Terms: Durable Medical Equipment Maintenance, Nonroutine DME Technical Service

Summary

This procedure involves the repair or special maintenance of durable medical equipment (DME), other than oxygen equipment, that cannot be performed by the user and requires the expertise of a skilled technician. Each billing unit represents 15 minutes of labor time.

Purpose

The procedure addresses various malfunctions or issues with durable medical equipment. Goals: To restore the proper function of the equipment, ensuring it operates safely and effectively to support the patient's health or mobility needs.

Indications

• Malfunctions or breakdowns of durable medical equipment.
• Wear and tear or damage beyond routine maintenance capabilities.
• Specific diagnostic issues identified by healthcare providers or technicians.

Patient Criteria:

• Dependence on durable medical equipment for daily functions or health maintenance.
• The equipment must be certified as repairable and essential for the patient's care.

Preparation

• No specific patient preparation is generally required.
• The patient or caregiver should provide a detailed report of the equipment issue.
• Any recent diagnostics on the DME should be available for the technician’s review.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Technician inspects the equipment to diagnose the issue.
2. Troubleshooting: Identification of parts that need repair or replacement.
3. Repair Process: Technician uses specialized tools and equipment to fix the identified problems.
4. Testing: Post-repair, the equipment is thoroughly tested to ensure it is functioning correctly.
5. Documentation: A detailed report is generated, documenting the repairs made and any parts replaced.

Tools and Equipment: Screwdrivers, pliers, diagnostic tools, testing equipment, replacement parts.

No anesthesia or sedation is required as this is a technical service, not a medical procedure performed on the patient.

Duration

The duration depends on the complexity of the repair. Each billing unit represents 15 minutes of labor; most repairs are completed within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Setting

This service can be performed at the patient’s home, a specialized DME service center, or a healthcare facility equipped with DME repair capabilities.

Personnel

• Skilled Technician specialized in durable medical equipment repair.
• Support staff for administrative and documentation tasks.

Risks and Complications

• Equipment may be deemed irreparable, requiring replacement.
• Potential delays if parts need to be ordered.
• Temporary loss of use of the equipment during the repair process.

Benefits

• Quick restoration of essential equipment functionality.
• Improved safety and reliability of the equipment.
• Prevention of further equipment damage or complete failure.

Recovery

No physical recovery is needed for the patient.
Post-Repair Instructions:

• Proper usage and maintenance of the repaired equipment.
• Follow-up contact information for any subsequent issues or concerns.

Alternatives

• Purchase or Lease of New Equipment: More reliable but more costly.
• Routine Maintenance: Regular checks to prevent major repairs but requires consistent scheduling.
• Temporary Rental: Renting similar equipment during repair, offering continuity of care but may be more expensive short-term.

Patient Experience

• The patient may experience a temporary inconvenience due to the unavailability of the equipment during repair.
• Comfort measures: The technician will aim to complete the repair promptly and offer temporary solutions if a significant delay occurs.