How does Medicare pay for PD equipment, supplies, and support services under Method II?
When you choose Method II, you contract with a supply company to provide the supplies and equipment your doctor prescribes for you. Medicare covers the same equipment and supplies through a Method II supplier as it does through a dialysis clinic under Method I. The only difference is that Medicare allows the Method II supplier to charge more. Under Method II, your dialysis clinic only bills you for support services at a rate that Medicare allows. This rate is intended to pay for time you spend with the dietitian, social worker, and nurse at regular clinic visits. When your nurse checks your exit site, changes your transfer set, watches you do an exchange and reviews your PD technique, and tracks any peritonitis you have, these are all included in the “support services” charge.
