Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Medicaid www.mass.gov/masshealth MassHealth Acute Inpatient Hospital Bulletin 144 May 2012 TO: Acute Inpatient Hospitals Participating in MassHealth FROM: Julian J. Harris, M.D., Medicaid Director RE: Clarification of Policy for Members’ Home Use of Nebulizers Background This bulletin clarifies MassHealth’s policy about how oxygen and respiratory therapy equipment providers may deliver, set up, and instruct MassHealth members on how to use nebulizers in their home to ensure access for members who have an immediate need for home use of nebulizers. The information in this bulletin clarifies the role that acute inpatient hospitals and other providers play in the delivery process. Clarification on Nebulizer Some members may require the immediate use of a nebulizer at home Home Deliveries following a visit to a physician office, clinic office, or acute inpatient hospital. To ensure immediate access for these members, MassHealth encourages durable medical equipment (DME) and oxygen and respiratory therapy equipment (OXY) providers to partner with freestanding and hospital-based physician offices, clinic offices, and acute inpatient hospitals by leaving a limited number of “loaner” (used) nebulizers and supplies at these settings. Physician offices, clinic offices, and acute inpatient hospitals are encouraged to send these loaner nebulizers home with the member on a temporary basis, and to forward required documentation to the DME or OXY provider to initiate the delivery, set-up, and instruction to the member (or caregiver, if applicable) by the DME or OXY provider in the member’s home on how to use the new machine. At the time of home delivery, the DME or OXY provider must remove the “loaner” nebulizer from the member’s home, return it to the DME or OXY provider’s service location, clean it, and, if applicable, restock the physician office, clinic, or acute inpatient hospital with additional loaner nebulizers. Questions If you have any questions about the information in this bulletin, please contact MassHealth Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900, e-mail your inquiry to providersupport@mahealth.net, or fax your inquiry to 617-988-8974.