Using same or similar option on Medicare IVR

DME MAC A IVR User Guide - Same Options

Same or Similar - Option 7

The same or similar option only provides information on base codes, not related accessories or drugs. For
example, if a beneficiary has a manual wheelchair (K0001) and leg rests (K0195), the same or similar option
only provides equipment that is same or similar for the K0001. No information will be given on the K0195.
The Certificate of Medical Necessity option is still available which can give accessories and/or drugs related to a base code.

When same or similar status is selected, the IVR will request and collect the following elements:

• National Provider Identifier (NPI)
• PTAN (10-digit supplier number)
• Last 5 digits of the Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Beneficiary Medicare number
• Beneficiary first and last name (last name and first initial if using touch-tone)
• Beneficiary date of birth
• HCPCS code

Once the authentication elements have been verified, the IVR will supply the following, if applicable:
• Initial certification date
• Recertification date
• Revised date
• Length of need
• Same or Similar HCPCS code
At any time during same or similar status the caller can give the next Medicare number if multiple same or
similar status requests are needed.The same or similar option only provides information on base codes, not related accessories or drugs. For
example, if a beneficiary has a manual wheelchair (K0001) and leg rests (K0195), the same or similar option
only provides equipment that is same or similar for the K0001. No information will be given on the K0195.
The Certificate of Medical Necessity option is still available which can give accessories and/or drugs related to
a base code.
When same or similar status is selected, the IVR will request and collect the following elements:
• National Provider Identifier (NPI)
• PTAN (10-digit supplier number)
• Last 5 digits of the Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Beneficiary Medicare number
• Beneficiary first and last name (last name and first initial if using touch-tone)
• Beneficiary date of birth
• HCPCS code



Once the authentication elements have been verified, the IVR will supply the following, if applicable:

• Initial certification date
• Recertification date
• Revised date
• Length of need
• Same or Similar HCPCS code

At any time during same or similar status the caller can give the next Medicare number if multiple same or
similar status requests are needed.

At the end of same or similar status playback the caller has the option of saying; “change HCPCS” to obtain
information on another HCPCS code for the same beneficiary.

Providers must speak with a live customer service representative to obtain HCPCS codes beginning with the
letters A, L, or V. The IVR will not search for the same or similar items listed below:

• Diabetic Supplies
• External Breast Prosthesis
• Eye Prosthesis
• Facial Prosthesis
• Knee Orthosis
• Lower Limb Prosthesis
• Orthotic Footwear
• Refractive Lenses
• Spinal Orthosis TLSO and LSO
• Surgical Supplies
• Therapeutic Shoes for Diabetics
• Tracheotomy Supplies
• Urological Supplies
• TENS Supplies

Note: The same or similar option will provide information to the initial dates for HCPCS codes up to 5 years. The CMN option is still available which can give accessories and/or drugs related to a base code.