This week Medicare contractor Noridian Healthcare Services LLC announced revisions to its local coverage determination (LCD) policy for polysomnography and other sleep studies for Jurisdiction E (L36861) and Jurisdiction F (L34040), affecting sleep facilities in 13 states. By June 5, 2017, these sleep facilities must have sleep-specific accreditation to be eligible for coverage.

The revised LCD affects sleep facilities in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and select U.S. territories.

The AASM has created a new program that will expedite accreditation applications for sleep facilities impacted by recent changes to Medicare coverage policies for sleep studies. Depending on a facility’s responsiveness and the thoroughness of its application, the AASM may be able to issue an accreditation decision 2 to 4 weeks after application submission.To request participation in the expedited accreditation program, sleep facilities must contact the AASM Accreditation Department at 630-737-9700 or accreditation@aasm.org.