Library: Policy

317:30-5-211.23. Continuous passive motion device for the knee

Revised 9-12-22

(a) Continuous passive motion (CPM). CPM is a postoperative treatment method designed to aid recovery of joint range of motion after joint surgery. CPM provides for early post-operative motion and is considered a substitute for active physical therapy (PT).

(b) Medical necessity. CPM must be determined by a provider to be medically necessary and documented in the member's plan of care as medically necessary and used for medical purposes. A request by a qualified provider for CPM in and of itself shall not constitute medical necessity. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) shall serve as the final authority pertaining to all determinations of medical necessity. Refer to Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 317:30-5-211.2 and 317:30-3-1(f) for policy on medical necessity.

(1) A knee CPM device is covered for up to twenty-one (21) days and does not require a prior authorization (PA) for a patient in an early phase of rehabilitation.

(2) A knee CPM device required for more than twenty-one (21) days does require a PA of the additional days. These cases will be individually reviewed for medical necessity.

(c) Documentation. All documentation submitted to request services must demonstrate, through adequate objective medical records, evidence sufficient to justify the member's need for the service, in accordance with OAC 317:30-3-1(f)(2).

(1) Documentation must include:

(A) Type of surgery performed;

(B) Date of surgery;

(C) Date of application of CPM;

(D) Date of discharge from the hospital; and

(E) Written prescription issued by a licensed prescriber that is signed and dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the first date of service and that defines the specific "from" and "to" dates that reflect the actual days the CPM device is to be utilized.

(2) For full guidelines, please refer to www.okhca.org/mau.

(d) Reimbursement.

(1) Separate reimbursement will not be made for use of device while member is hospitalized or in a long-term care facility.

(2) Billing for dates of service when the patient is no longer actively using the CPM device is not appropriate and is not reimbursable.