Required Face-to-Face (F2F) Encounter and Written Order Prior to Delivery (WOPD) List Questions & Answers (Q&As)
Click on a question to expand or Show All / Close All
- What items currently require a F2F encounter and WOPD?
-
There are currently 63 items that now require a F2F and WOPD as a condition of payment. Access the complete list from CMS.
You can also use the WOPD Lookup Tool found in the Tools and Calculators section of the CGS website to check if a specific HCPCS is included in the Required List for F2F and WOPD.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Revised: 12.11.23
-
- What are the requirements for a valid WOPD?
-
The information for the WOPD is the same as a Standard Written Order (SWO). The only difference is that suppliers must have the SWO before delivering the item to the beneficiary. The order date must be on or before the date of delivery.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Reviewed: 12.08.23
-
- Is there a limit to the time span between the F2F encounter and the date of the WOPD?
-
Yes. The WOPD must be completed within 6 months after the required f2f encounter.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Reviewed: 12.08.23
-
- What are the elements required for a valid F2F encounter?
-
The F2F encounter is used to support payment for the items ordered/prescribed and should be documented in the medical record. Examples of good documentation for the encounter would include the beneficiary’s history, physical examination, diagnostic tests, summary of findings, progress notes, treatment plans, or other appropriate sources of information. The supporting documentation must include subjective and objective beneficiary-specific information used for diagnosing, treating, or managing a clinical condition for which the DMEPOS is ordered.
Review the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and Policy Article of the item you are providing to ensure all coverage criteria is met.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Reviewed: 12.08.23
-
- Can telehealth be used as a F2F encounter?
-
This F2F requirement also includes examinations conducted via the CMS-approved use of telehealth examinations, which must meet the requirements of DMEPOS coverage. Read the CMS Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet for more information.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Reviewed: 12.08.23
-
- Who must conduct the F2F encounter?
-
For items on the Required List other than power mobility devices (PMDs), the treating practitioner who conducted the F2F encounter does not need to be the prescriber for the DMEPOS item, but the prescriber must verify that a qualifying F2F encounter occurred within 6 months of the date of their prescription and have documentation of that encounter. For PMDs, the treating practitioner must conduct the F2F encounter.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Reviewed: 12.08.23
-
- Is a qualifying F2F encounter required each time a new order/prescription for one of the specified items on the Required List is ordered?
-
Yes. Anytime a new order is submitted for an item on the Required List, there must be a new F2F encounter.
Originally published: 10.13.22
Reviewed: 12.08.23
-