The March update to this Joint DME MAC Correct Coding and Billing article has caused some misunderstanding within the field. Under “Documentation Requirements,” the article states that to support Medicare coverage, the medical record must include: “Diagnosis of lymphedema documented by the treating practitioner (MD, DO, NP, PA, CNS) in the beneficiary’s medical record.” Some […]
December 2025, USMCA participated in the CMS meeting to explain factors to consider when determining national payment amounts for relevant lymphedema compression garment Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes. Effective April 1, 2026, CMS implemented fee amounts for these HCPCS Level II codes: A6544: Gradient compression stocking, garter belt, $38.90 A6548: Accessory to custom […]
The DME MACs jointly published a billing and coding article with guidance pertinent to lymphedema compression treatment items, including proper use of four modifiers that will go into effect for claims with dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2026. You can find out which modifiers are required for a specific HCPCS code via […]
http://usmedicalcompressionalliance.wordifysites.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/US-Medical-Compression-Alliance-Logo.svg00projects@coldspringdesign.comhttp://usmedicalcompressionalliance.wordifysites.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/US-Medical-Compression-Alliance-Logo.svgprojects@coldspringdesign.com2026-06-01 12:10:022026-08-05 12:13:10CMS Final Rule Updates and DME MAC Resources
Published in October 2025, this document presents a second iteration of the STRIDE algorithm for selection of compression therapy in lymphedema. Building on the original 2019 algorithm, which was focused on the lower limb, the second iteration expands the remit of STRIDE to cover the upper limbs, breast and trunk.
Certification on MD Documentation Requirements
in NewsThe March update to this Joint DME MAC Correct Coding and Billing article has caused some misunderstanding within the field. Under “Documentation Requirements,” the article states that to support Medicare coverage, the medical record must include: “Diagnosis of lymphedema documented by the treating practitioner (MD, DO, NP, PA, CNS) in the beneficiary’s medical record.” Some […]
New HCPCS Codes Effective April 1, 2026
in NewsDecember 2025, USMCA participated in the CMS meeting to explain factors to consider when determining national payment amounts for relevant lymphedema compression garment Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes. Effective April 1, 2026, CMS implemented fee amounts for these HCPCS Level II codes: A6544: Gradient compression stocking, garter belt, $38.90 A6548: Accessory to custom […]
CMS Final Rule Updates and DME MAC Resources
in NewsThe DME MACs jointly published a billing and coding article with guidance pertinent to lymphedema compression treatment items, including proper use of four modifiers that will go into effect for claims with dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2026. You can find out which modifiers are required for a specific HCPCS code via […]
New STRIDE Guidelines on Upper-Body Compression
in NewsPublished in October 2025, this document presents a second iteration of the STRIDE algorithm for selection of compression therapy in lymphedema. Building on the original 2019 algorithm, which was focused on the lower limb, the second iteration expands the remit of STRIDE to cover the upper limbs, breast and trunk.