Standard Written Order (SWO)
DMEPOS suppliers are no longer required to obtain an initial/dispensing order from a physician prior to delivering products. All other documentation requirements are still in place. The only change is the name of the DWO is now SWO.
DMEPOS suppliers are no longer required to obtain an initial/dispensing order from a physician prior to delivering products. All other documentation requirements are still in place. The only change is the name of the DWO is now SWO.
The Standard Written Order (SWO) must include the following elements:
- Beneficiary name or Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI)
- Order date
- General description of the item
- Quantity to be dispensed, if applicable
- Treating/Ordering practitioner's name or NPI
- Treating/Ordering practitioner's signature
Suppliers may create the SWO and provide it to the physician for signature. A signed SWO must be received from the physician prior to billing a claim to Medicare. The SWO is not considered part of the medical record so all corroborating medical documentation must still be obtained.