DME universal product numbers
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and John Breaux (D-La.) introduce the "Medicare Universal Product Number Act of 1999" (S 256) on Jan. 20. The bill, which is substantially unchanged from a previous version submitted in the 105th Congress, would require that all durable medical equipment bear a universal product number by Feb. 1, 2002 as a condition of reimbursement under Medicare. A companion measure (HR 418) was introduced Jan. 19 in the House by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.)