DME for splint fabrication/dispensing?

[Guest guest]

We are a hospital-based practice, but we have one OT hand therapy

clinic located in space rented from a physician. It is classified as

freestanding, " non-hospital, " and it bills Part B on a 1500 claim

form.

My question is this: does that clinic need to complete an application

and become a DMEPOS provider in order to bill Medicare for splints and

related supplies? I had thought that therapists had an exception from

this requirement, but I cannot find a citation to document this. Help!

please.

Bob Perlson

Director of Rehabilitation

Asante Health System

Medford OR