What is the story with Medicare coverage of home infrared units, its all confusing?
Quite simply, Medicare currently does not approve the E0221 Code (Infrared Heating Pad) as a covered item for home treatment. Most insurance companies follow this policy. It is common knowledge Medicare will cover and regularly reimburse wheelchairs, oxygen, beds, etc. under specific codes. You can obviously get these devices at most local medical supply stores, and the stores will bill Medicare or insurance for you. If home infrared therapy devices were approved, most medical supply stores would be happy to sell and bill them for you. Since they are not reimbursed, medical supply stores don’t offer them. Since, Medicare doesn’t normally approve this E0221 code, any supplier telling you its “covered by Medicare” is false according to Medicare. If a supplier decides to submit your claim to Medicare the claim will automatically be declined. Period.
