Because it is very difficult to obtain
a beneficiary's signature (or the signature of a person authorized
to sign on behalf of the beneficiary) on a claim when the
beneficiary is being transported by ambulance in emergency
situations, we are proposing that, for emergency ambulance
transport services, an ambulance provider or supplier may submit
the claim without a beneficiary's signature, as long as certain
documentation requirements are met.
Statute at
Large: 18
Stat. 1814 Name of Statute: null
Statute at Large: 18
Stat. 1835 Name of Statute: null
Statute at Large: 18
Stat. 1842 Name of Statute: null
Statute at Large: 18
Stat. 1848 Name of Statute: null
We updated the burden estimate
in section A.12 from the last burden estimate to reflect changes in
the number of ambulance suppliers, the number of claims, and the
addition of 100% of the hourly wage for the cost calculations used
to account for fringe and overhead. We have not changed the
information collection requirements in any way. The number of
Medicare-enrolled ambulance suppliers decreased from 11,564 to
10,402. The total estimated number of ambulance transports for Part
B-paid claims in 2015 was 14,155,617. This number represents a
9.46% decrease in the number of Part B-paid ambulance transport
claims from 2011. In light of these facts, we have adjusted the
annual time and cost burden estimates accordingly. The total number
of burden hours decreased from 1,303,857 to 1,180,578. The
estimated average hourly wage for emergency medical technicians and
paramedics increased from $16.53 to $34.08. The total estimated
cost for obtaining the documentation requirements in 42 CFR
424.36(b) (6) increased from approximately $1,863.78 to $3867.92
per ambulance supplier.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
CMS-10242 Supporting Statement Part A (Accepting all BP edits 12-7-16).docx
Emergency Ambulance Transports and Beneficiary Signature Requirements in 42 CFR 424.36(b)