3.1 Medical Supplies

(Procedure code 15201-01)

Routine medical and surgical supplies that are provided by the treating physician or facility as part of the treatment protocol will be included in the physician or facility fees. Such supplies include absorbent pads or sponges, swabs, anesthetics, bandages and non-adherent dressings, gloves, oral medication, oxygen, saline for irrigation, suture supplies, syringes and needles, tongue blades, etc. Non-routine medical supplies or medical supplies for home-use ordered by the treating physician may be purchased through the physician's office, a pharmacy, a medical supply company, and discount retail outlets. The allowable rate of payment for medical supplies purchased from non-discount sources is 80% of the usual and customary charge. However, if the needed supplies are available from a discount outlet whose normal price is substantially lower than other sources, counselors may pay up to 100% of the usual and customary discount charge.