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January 23, 2019

PWK vs. esMD—Understanding the Difference

Two new ways of submitting additional claim documentation are available to Jurisdiction C DMEPOS suppliers—the PWK (paperwork) segment and Electronic Submission of Medical Documentation (esMD). While at first glance these tools may appear similar, they are actually very different. This article is intended to help you understand the differences between PWK and esMD and to know when you should use one or the other.

Please note that although implementation of the PWK segment was scheduled for April 2, 2012, it was delayed until October 1, 2012.

The PWK segment is a way to submit paper documentation by fax or mail along with your electronic claim before it is requested by the DME MAC. To submit PWK documentation with your claim, you must complete the PWK segment with a value of either BM (if mailing the documentation) or FX (if faxing the documentation). After the claim has been accepted by CEDI, complete the PWK Fax/Mail Cover Sheet (available on our Forms page once PWK is implemented) and mail or fax the cover sheet along with your documentation.

esMD is a way to submit electronic documentation after it has been requested by the DME MAC. To respond to a request for additional claim documentation electronically, you must submit your documentation as a PDF file through the CMS esMD gateway, using the unique documentation case ID number that is listed on your additional documentation request letter.

Below is a list of similarities and differences between PWK and esMD.

Similarities

Both PWK and esMD are new ways of submitting additional claim documentation.

Both PWK and esMD are entirely voluntary. You may continue to use your current processes rather than utilizing PWK or esMD.

Differences

PWK is available beginning October 1, 2012.
esMD is available beginning April 2, 2012.

PWK is used to submit additional documentation BEFORE it is requested.
esMD is used to submit additional documentation AFTER it is requested.

PWK documentation can be submitted by mail or fax.
esMD documentation can only be submitted electronically as a PDF file through a special esMD website (the CMS esMD gateway).

PWK can be used by any EDI submitter. No special access is needed.
esMD requires special access through the CMS security process.

PWK can only be used with electronically submitted claims.
esMD can be used with any claim (if documentation is requested).

Resources

There are several articles and webpages available to you containing all the information you need about both PWK and esMD. Below is a list of some of these resources.

PWK

esMD

If you have any questions about PWK or esMD, call our Provider Contact Center at 866-590-6727.

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