Breathe NIOV™ - Coding Reminder – Revised January 2014

Joint DME MAC Publication

This article updates and replaces the previous version published in December 2012.

The Non-invasive OPEN Ventilation System (NIOV™) by Breathe Technologies, Inc. provides positive pressure inspiratory support for patients using oxygen.  This product consists of multiple components - control unit, flow regulator, connecting hose and nasal interface (pillows).  E1352 is an all-inclusive code for this product that includes all components.  For the BREATHE NON INVASIVE OPEN VENTILATION (NIOV) SYSTEM, the HCPCS code listed below should be used when billing the DME MACs:

E1352 OXYGEN ACCESSORY, FLOW REGULATOR CAPABLE OF POSITIVE INSPIRATORY PRESSURE. 

If pillows and hoses are billed separately for replacement purposes use:

A9900 (MISCELLANEOUS DME SUPPLY, ACCESSORY, AND/OR SERVICE COMPONENT OF ANOTHER HCPCS CODE)

Based on clinical data provided by the manufacturer, this item is effective only when used in conjunction with oxygen; therefore, it is classified as an accessory to oxygen equipment.  E1352 is not eligible for separate billing as stand-alone DME under this classification.

Oxygen reimbursement is a bundled payment.  All options, supplies and accessories are considered included in the monthly rental payment for oxygen equipment.  Oxygen rental is billed using the appropriate code for the provided oxygen equipment. Separately billed options, accessories or supply items will be denied as unbundling.

Note: Numerous sources, including the manufacturer’s materials and references in published clinical articles, use the term “ventilator” when discussing this device.  For Medicare payment purposes, the NIOV™ device is NOT considered a ventilator or any other type of positive airway pressure device (CPAP, bi-level PAP, etc.).  DMEPOS suppliers must not use HCPCS codes assigned to those products when submitting claims for the NIOV™ device.

Refer to the Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment Local Coverage Determination and related Policy Article for additional information about documentation, coverage and coding requirements.

For questions about correct coding, contact the PDAC Contact Center at (877) 735-1326 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or e-mail the PDAC by completing the DME PDAC Contact Form located on the PDAC website: https://www.dmepdac.com/