8+ CPAP Machine & Supplies CPT Codes (2024)


8+ CPAP Machine & Supplies CPT Codes (2024)

Present Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are important for billing and reimbursement associated to Sturdy Medical Gear (DME), equivalent to gear used for treating sleep apnea. These codes categorize particular providers and gear, enabling healthcare suppliers to speak clearly with insurance coverage firms. As an example, distinct codes exist for the machine itself, preliminary setup, and ongoing provides like masks, filters, and tubing. Correct coding ensures correct claims processing and well timed fee for offered providers and gear.

Standardized coding performs an important function in healthcare administration. It streamlines the advanced technique of claims submission, minimizing errors and facilitating environment friendly reimbursement. This standardized system advantages each suppliers and sufferers, guaranteeing clear communication in regards to the providers rendered and the related prices. Traditionally, the event of those standardized codes arose from the necessity for a uniform language in medical billing, bettering transparency and accountability inside the healthcare system.

Understanding the related codes for sleep apnea gear permits for extra correct billing practices. The next sections will discover the precise codes related to numerous varieties of sleep apnea gear, preliminary setup procedures, and ongoing provide replacements, together with steering on their applicable utilization inside totally different healthcare settings.

1. E0601 (CPAP gadget)

E0601 serves as the muse for billing Steady Optimistic Airway Stress (CPAP) gadgets. Throughout the broader context of CPT codes for sleep apnea gear and provides, E0601 particularly identifies the bottom unit itself. This distinction is crucial for correct reimbursement, separating the gadget from associated provides and providers. For instance, whereas E0601 covers the core CPAP machine, masks, tubing, and filters fall underneath separate codes. With out this particular code, suppliers would lack the means to obviously establish the gadget inside a declare, doubtlessly resulting in processing errors and delays in reimbursement.

Understanding the function of E0601 is essential for DME suppliers, sleep specialists, and billing departments. Correct software of this code ensures applicable fee for the CPAP gadget itself. Think about a state of affairs the place a affected person receives a brand new CPAP machine, together with a masks and humidifier. Every part requires a definite code: E0601 for the CPAP machine, a separate code for the masks (e.g., E0561 for the interface), and one other for the humidifier. This granular strategy permits for exact monitoring of kit offered and facilitates correct reimbursement for every merchandise. Failure to make use of E0601 particularly for the CPAP machine may result in underpayment or declare rejection.

In abstract, E0601 represents a crucial part inside the wider framework of CPT codes for sleep apnea gear. Its particular software to the CPAP machine itself ensures readability and accuracy in billing, in the end contributing to the environment friendly supply of important healthcare providers. Challenges stay in guaranteeing constant and correct code software throughout the healthcare panorama, highlighting the continuing want for training and coaching in correct coding practices for sleep-related DME.

2. E0561 (Respiratory help gadget interface)

E0561, denoting the respiratory help gadget interface, performs an important function inside the CPT coding system for CPAP machines and provides. This code particularly identifies the interface part connecting the CPAP machine to the affected person, encompassing masks, nasal pillows, and different supply techniques. Correct use of E0561 is important for correct billing and reimbursement. With out distinct coding for the interface, differentiating it from the CPAP machine itself (E0601) turns into tough, doubtlessly resulting in confusion and inaccuracies in claims processing. As an example, a affected person requiring a full-face masks makes use of a special interface than one utilizing nasal pillows. E0561 accommodates this variability, permitting suppliers to specify the exact sort of interface offered.

The sensible significance of understanding E0561 extends past correct billing. It facilitates information assortment on interface utilization, offering useful insights into affected person preferences and remedy efficacy. Think about a state of affairs the place a supplier observes a excessive price of nasal pillow replacements. This information would possibly point out a necessity for affected person training on correct masks becoming or counsel exploration of other interface choices. Moreover, correct coding with E0561 contributes to extra complete record-keeping, aiding in long-term affected person care and facilitating communication between healthcare professionals. A transparent file of the precise interface used allows continuity of care, particularly when a number of suppliers are concerned.

In abstract, E0561 represents a crucial part inside the broader framework of CPT codes for CPAP gear and provides. It ensures exact identification of the affected person interface, contributing to correct billing, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced affected person care. Challenges stay in constant software of E0561, significantly given the number of accessible interfaces. Ongoing training and coaching for healthcare professionals are important to take care of correct coding practices and maximize the advantages of this significant code inside the sleep drugs subject.

3. A7034 (Oral home equipment)

Whereas CPAP remedy stays a typical remedy for sleep apnea, oral home equipment provide an alternate strategy. A7034, the CPT code for oral home equipment used to deal with sleep-disordered respiration, performs a major function inside the broader context of CPT codes for sleep apnea gear and provides. Understanding its software is essential for correct billing and displays the rising recognition of oral home equipment as a viable remedy choice.

  • Mandibular Development Gadgets (MADs)

    MADs characterize a typical sort of oral equipment, repositioning the decrease jaw to take care of an open airway. A7034 encompasses these gadgets, facilitating correct reimbursement for his or her provision. For instance, a affected person fitted with a custom-fabricated MAD requires correct coding with A7034 to make sure applicable fee to the offering dentist or sleep specialist. This specificity inside the CPT coding system acknowledges the distinct function of oral home equipment in sleep apnea administration.

  • Tongue Retaining Gadgets (TRDs)

    TRDs characterize one other class of oral home equipment, stopping tongue displacement and airway obstruction throughout sleep. A7034 additionally covers these gadgets, guaranteeing constant coding practices throughout totally different oral equipment varieties. A affected person using a TRD advantages from the identical coding readability as one utilizing a MAD, streamlining the billing course of and guaranteeing correct reimbursement for the gadget and related providers, equivalent to becoming and changes.

  • Diagnostic and Therapeutic Functions

    A7034’s utility extends past merely figuring out the gadget itself. It additionally aids in differentiating diagnostic from therapeutic functions. For instance, utilizing A7034 with a modifier can point out whether or not the equipment serves a diagnostic function (e.g., assessing remedy response) or represents the first therapeutic intervention. This distinction enhances information assortment and evaluation associated to oral equipment effectiveness in managing sleep apnea.

  • Coordination of Advantages

    In circumstances the place sufferers make the most of each CPAP remedy and an oral equipment, correct coding with A7034 turns into essential for coordination of advantages. It permits insurers to find out applicable protection and stop duplicate funds, guaranteeing environment friendly useful resource allocation inside the healthcare system. This stage of coding element turns into more and more vital as mixture therapies develop into extra prevalent in sleep drugs.

Correct software of A7034 contributes to a extra complete understanding of sleep apnea remedy modalities and related prices. By clearly figuring out oral home equipment inside the wider framework of CPT codes for sleep apnea gear and provides, A7034 helps applicable reimbursement practices, data-driven decision-making, and in the end, improved affected person care. As oral equipment remedy continues to evolve, correct and constant use of A7034 will develop into much more very important for efficient administration of sleep-disordered respiration.

4. A9270 (Provides/equipment)

A9270, representing provides and equipment for sturdy medical gear, holds important relevance inside the context of CPT codes for sleep apnea gear. This code encompasses numerous consumable and replaceable parts essential for efficient CPAP remedy, guaranteeing ongoing performance and affected person consolation. Understanding its scope is important for correct billing and optimum affected person care.

  • Masks and Cushions

    CPAP masks and cushions, direct contact factors with the affected person, require common alternative as a result of put on and tear. A9270 facilitates billing for these important parts, guaranteeing sufferers obtain contemporary, well-fitting interfaces. Totally different masks varieties, together with nasal pillows, nasal masks, and full-face masks, fall underneath this code, accommodating various affected person wants and preferences. Correct coding ensures applicable reimbursement for these ceaselessly changed gadgets.

  • Tubing and Filters

    CPAP tubing and filters, integral to gadget hygiene and efficiency, necessitate periodic alternative. A9270 covers these parts, enabling suppliers to invoice for his or her provision and selling ongoing affected person adherence to remedy. Filters, together with disposable and reusable choices, contribute to wash airflow, whereas tubing maintains constant stress supply. Correct coding ensures these very important components stay readily accessible to sufferers.

  • Headgear and Chinstraps

    Headgear and chinstraps, securing the CPAP masks in place, additionally fall underneath A9270. These parts contribute to masks stability and efficient remedy, requiring alternative as a result of put on or adjustments in affected person wants. Correct coding for these supporting components ensures complete protection for all facets of CPAP remedy, maximizing affected person consolation and remedy efficacy.

  • Humidifiers and Chambers

    Many CPAP gadgets incorporate humidifiers to alleviate dryness and enhance affected person consolation. A9270 encompasses humidifier chambers and associated provides, equivalent to water chambers and filters. These parts, requiring common cleansing and eventual alternative, profit from clear coding to make sure applicable reimbursement and continued affected person entry to humidification, a characteristic that considerably impacts remedy adherence.

A9270’s complete protection of CPAP provides and equipment straight contributes to the efficacy and sustainability of sleep apnea remedy. Its correct software streamlines billing processes, ensures applicable reimbursement for suppliers, and facilitates steady affected person entry to important gear parts. By clearly delineating these often-overlooked components inside the broader framework of CPT codes for sleep apnea gear, A9270 helps a holistic strategy to affected person care and reinforces the significance of constant and correct coding practices inside the subject of sleep drugs. Common overview and updates to the precise gadgets coated underneath A9270 are essential to replicate developments in CPAP know-how and guarantee continued accuracy in billing and reimbursement.

5. 94660 (Therapeutic procedures)

94660, encompassing therapeutic procedures associated to respiratory operate, performs an important function inside the broader context of CPT codes for CPAP machines and provides. This code addresses the skilled providers related to managing and optimizing CPAP remedy, distinguishing these providers from the gear itself. Understanding its software is important for correct billing and displays the significance of expert intervention in maximizing remedy efficacy.

  • Preliminary Setup and Affected person Schooling

    94660 covers the preliminary setup of a CPAP machine, together with masks becoming, stress titration, and complete affected person training. This side acknowledges the experience required to provoke remedy successfully, encompassing technical proficiency and affected person communication abilities. As an example, a respiratory therapist instructing a affected person on correct masks utilization and cleansing procedures makes use of 94660 to invoice for this significant service. Correct coding ensures applicable reimbursement for this preliminary intervention, which considerably impacts long-term remedy adherence.

  • Comply with-up Changes and Troubleshooting

    CPAP remedy typically requires ongoing changes and troubleshooting to optimize remedy efficacy and affected person consolation. 94660 encompasses these follow-up providers, addressing points equivalent to masks leaks, stress changes, and interface adjustments. For instance, a affected person experiencing discomfort with their preliminary masks might require a follow-up appointment to discover different interfaces. The skilled providers offered throughout this appointment, together with masks becoming and stress changes, are precisely captured utilizing 94660. This ensures applicable reimbursement for ongoing affected person administration and optimization of remedy.

  • Compliance Monitoring and Information Evaluation

    Monitoring affected person compliance and analyzing CPAP utilization information characterize important parts of efficient sleep apnea administration. 94660 can embody these providers, reflecting the skilled experience required to interpret information, establish developments, and modify remedy accordingly. For instance, a supplier reviewing a affected person’s CPAP utilization information might establish intervals of masks leakage or inconsistent stress supply. The skilled interpretation of this information and subsequent changes to remedy are appropriately billed utilizing 94660. This promotes data-driven decision-making in sleep drugs and reinforces the significance of ongoing affected person monitoring.

  • Coordination of Care and Communication

    Efficient CPAP remedy typically entails coordination of care between a number of healthcare professionals, together with sleep specialists, respiratory therapists, and first care physicians. 94660 also can cowl these important communication and coordination providers, acknowledging the complexity of managing sleep apnea and the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration. As an example, a sleep specialist consulting with a respiratory therapist relating to a affected person’s CPAP remedy makes use of 94660 to precisely seize the skilled time and experience concerned in coordinating affected person care. This fosters collaboration and ensures optimum communication inside the healthcare crew.

The appliance of 94660 extends past particular person procedures, encompassing the great administration of CPAP remedy. Its correct use ensures applicable reimbursement for important skilled providers, selling high-quality affected person care and facilitating ongoing innovation in sleep drugs. By recognizing the crucial function of therapeutic interventions inside the wider framework of CPT codes for CPAP machines and provides, 94660 contributes to a extra complete and patient-centered strategy to sleep apnea remedy.

6. Preliminary Setup

Preliminary setup of CPAP gear represents a crucial part inside the broader framework of CPT codes for CPAP machines and provides. This course of encompasses not solely the technical configuration of the gadget but additionally important affected person training and coaching, considerably impacting long-term remedy adherence and remedy efficacy. Understanding the varied aspects of preliminary setup and their connection to particular CPT codes is essential for correct billing and optimum affected person care.

  • Affected person Evaluation and Gear Choice

    The preliminary setup course of begins with an intensive affected person evaluation to find out particular person wants and applicable gear choice. This consists of evaluating the affected person’s respiratory parameters, sleep research outcomes, and anatomical options to pick essentially the most appropriate CPAP machine, masks, and interface. This evaluation straight informs the collection of particular CPT codes, equivalent to E0601 for the CPAP gadget and E0561 for the interface, guaranteeing correct documentation of the gear offered.

  • Masks Becoming and Stress Titration

    Correct masks becoming is important for affected person consolation and efficient remedy. The preliminary setup entails cautious choice and adjustment of the CPAP masks to make sure a safe and comfy seal, minimizing leaks and maximizing stress supply. Stress titration, the method of figuring out the optimum therapeutic stress, is one other crucial part of preliminary setup. These procedures, typically carried out by a respiratory therapist or sleep technician, are sometimes billed utilizing CPT codes equivalent to 94660, reflecting the skilled experience required for correct gear adjustment and affected person training.

  • Affected person Schooling and Coaching

    Complete affected person training is essential for profitable CPAP remedy. Preliminary setup consists of detailed instruction on correct gear operation, cleansing procedures, and troubleshooting methods. Educating sufferers on the significance of constant remedy adherence and potential negative effects considerably impacts long-term remedy success. This academic part, typically bundled with the technical setup procedures, can also be sometimes coated underneath CPT code 94660, emphasizing the significance of affected person coaching within the total administration of sleep apnea.

  • Documentation and Coding Accuracy

    Correct documentation of the preliminary setup course of is important for applicable billing and reimbursement. This consists of recording the precise gear offered (utilizing codes like E0601 and E0561), the skilled providers rendered (utilizing codes like 94660), and the main points of affected person training offered. Meticulous documentation ensures correct claims processing, minimizes the danger of denials, and facilitates communication between healthcare suppliers concerned within the affected person’s care. Furthermore, correct coding contributes to useful information assortment on CPAP remedy utilization and effectiveness, informing future remedy methods and useful resource allocation.

The preliminary setup of CPAP gear represents a multifaceted course of straight linked to particular CPT codes. Correct coding throughout this crucial section ensures applicable reimbursement for suppliers, facilitates seamless communication between healthcare professionals, and contributes to improved affected person outcomes. By understanding the connection between preliminary setup procedures and corresponding CPT codes, suppliers can optimize billing practices, improve affected person care, and contribute to the continuing development of sleep drugs. Moreover, ongoing coaching and training on correct coding practices are important to maintain tempo with evolving applied sciences and guarantee constant software of CPT codes throughout the healthcare panorama.

7. Comply with-Up Changes

Comply with-up changes characterize an important side of ongoing CPAP remedy, straight impacting affected person adherence and remedy efficacy. These changes, necessitated by numerous elements, require correct coding inside the framework of CPT codes for CPAP machines and provides to make sure applicable reimbursement for offered providers and facilitate steady affected person care. A transparent understanding of the connection between follow-up changes and particular CPT codes is important for suppliers navigating the complexities of sleep apnea administration.

A number of elements necessitate follow-up changes in CPAP remedy. Modifications in affected person weight, facial construction, or underlying medical circumstances can have an effect on masks match and stress necessities. Gear malfunction or part put on and tear additionally necessitate changes to take care of optimum gadget efficiency. Furthermore, sufferers might expertise negative effects, equivalent to pores and skin irritation or nasal congestion, requiring changes to interface sort or stress settings. Every of those eventualities necessitates skilled intervention and infrequently entails particular CPT codes, equivalent to 94660 for therapeutic procedures associated to respiratory operate, and doubtlessly A9270 for alternative provides and equipment. For instance, a affected person experiencing masks leaks as a result of weight reduction requires a follow-up appointment for masks refitting and potential interface alternative. This encounter entails skilled providers, billable underneath 94660, and doubtlessly new provides, billable underneath A9270. Correct documentation of those changes, utilizing the suitable CPT codes, ensures correct reimbursement and facilitates ongoing affected person care.

The sensible significance of understanding the connection between follow-up changes and CPT codes extends past billing. Correct coding permits for data-driven insights into remedy effectiveness and affected person wants. Monitoring the frequency and varieties of changes supplies useful info on frequent challenges encountered throughout CPAP remedy and may inform methods for bettering affected person adherence. Moreover, clear documentation of follow-up changes promotes seamless communication between healthcare suppliers, facilitating continuity of care and enhancing affected person outcomes. Challenges stay in guaranteeing constant and correct coding practices for follow-up changes. Ongoing training and coaching for healthcare professionals are important to take care of up-to-date information of related CPT codes and optimize billing procedures. Finally, an intensive understanding of the hyperlink between follow-up changes and CPT codes contributes to a extra complete and patient-centered strategy to sleep apnea administration.

8. Upkeep and Restore

Upkeep and restore of CPAP gear represent important facets of long-term remedy effectiveness and affected person security. These procedures, straight linked to particular CPT codes, guarantee the continuing performance of CPAP gadgets and contribute to optimum affected person outcomes. A transparent understanding of the connection between upkeep and restore procedures and corresponding CPT codes is essential for correct billing, environment friendly useful resource allocation, and complete affected person care inside the subject of sleep drugs.

Common upkeep, together with cleansing, inspection, and alternative of consumable components, prevents gear malfunction and ensures constant stress supply. Restore providers tackle points equivalent to gadget malfunction, part failure, and unintentional harm. These procedures typically contain particular CPT codes, together with 94660 for therapeutic procedures associated to respiratory operate, and A9270 for alternative provides and equipment. As an example, changing a defective CPAP motor requires each the restore service (doubtlessly billed underneath 94660, relying on the precise service offered) and the alternative half (billed underneath A9270). Equally, routine filter replacements are billed utilizing A9270. Correct documentation of those procedures, utilizing the suitable CPT codes, ensures correct reimbursement and facilitates monitoring of kit upkeep historical past.

The sensible significance of understanding the connection between upkeep and restore and CPT codes extends past billing. Correct coding allows data-driven insights into gear efficiency and affected person adherence. Monitoring the frequency and varieties of repairs supplies useful info on gadget sturdiness and potential areas for enchancment in gear design. Furthermore, correct documentation of upkeep and restore procedures promotes transparency and accountability inside the healthcare system, guaranteeing affected person security and optimizing useful resource utilization. Challenges stay in persistently making use of CPT codes for upkeep and restore actions. Ongoing training and coaching for healthcare professionals are important to take care of correct coding practices and adapt to evolving applied sciences inside the sleep drugs subject. A complete understanding of the interaction between upkeep, restore, and CPT codes in the end contributes to a extra sturdy and patient-centered strategy to sleep apnea administration.

Incessantly Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to CPT codes associated to CPAP machines and provides, aiming to supply clear and concise info for healthcare professionals, billing specialists, and sufferers.

Query 1: What’s the distinction between CPT code E0601 and E0561?

E0601 particularly refers back to the CPAP machine itself, whereas E0561 denotes the interface or masks used to ship air stress to the affected person. These are distinct parts requiring separate codes for correct billing.

Query 2: Does CPT code A9270 cowl all CPAP provides?

A9270 covers generally changed provides and equipment, equivalent to masks, tubing, filters, and headgear. Nonetheless, it doesn’t embrace the CPAP gadget itself (E0601) or the preliminary setup and training (typically billed underneath 94660, amongst others).

Query 3: How are therapeutic procedures associated to CPAP remedy billed?

Therapeutic procedures, equivalent to preliminary setup, masks becoming, stress changes, and affected person training, are sometimes billed utilizing codes like 94660. Particular coding might fluctuate relying on the exact providers rendered.

Query 4: What’s the significance of correct CPT coding for CPAP gear and provides?

Correct coding is important for correct claims processing, well timed reimbursement, and information assortment. It ensures that suppliers obtain applicable fee for providers rendered and contributes to a extra clear and environment friendly healthcare system.

Query 5: The place can one discover essentially the most up-to-date info on CPT codes for CPAP gear?

The American Medical Affiliation (AMA) maintains the Present Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set and supplies essentially the most authoritative and present info. Consulting the AMA’s assets ensures correct coding practices.

Query 6: What are the implications of incorrect CPT coding for sleep-related DME?

Incorrect coding can result in declare denials, delayed reimbursements, and potential monetary penalties. It additionally compromises information integrity, hindering efforts to research remedy effectiveness and optimize useful resource allocation.

Correct and constant software of CPT codes is prime to the efficient provision and administration of sleep apnea remedy. Understanding these codes ensures applicable reimbursement, promotes data-driven decision-making, and in the end contributes to improved affected person care.

For additional info on particular coding eventualities and billing tips, consulting with skilled coding specialists or referring to the AMA’s official CPT assets is advisable. The next part will present further assets and get in touch with info for additional help.

Ideas for Correct CPT Coding of CPAP Machines and Provides

Correct Present Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding ensures correct reimbursement for Steady Optimistic Airway Stress (CPAP) remedy and associated provides. The next suggestions present steering for healthcare professionals concerned within the billing and coding course of.

Tip 1: Distinguish between System and Interface: Clearly differentiate between the CPAP gadget itself (E0601) and the interface (E0561), which incorporates masks, nasal pillows, and different supply techniques. Coding these individually ensures correct reimbursement for every part.

Tip 2: Itemize Provides and Equipment: Precisely itemize and code replaceable provides like masks, tubing, filters, and headgear utilizing A9270. This ensures applicable reimbursement for these ceaselessly changed gadgets and contributes to complete affected person care.

Tip 3: Doc Therapeutic Procedures: Completely doc all therapeutic procedures, together with preliminary setup, masks becoming, stress changes, and affected person training. Make the most of applicable CPT codes, equivalent to 94660, to precisely replicate the skilled providers rendered.

Tip 4: Preserve Up-to-Date Coding Information: Commonly seek the advice of the American Medical Affiliation (AMA) for essentially the most present CPT coding tips. Staying knowledgeable about coding updates ensures correct billing practices and minimizes the danger of declare denials.

Tip 5: Make the most of Modifiers When Vital: Make use of applicable modifiers to supply further context for billed providers. Modifiers can point out diagnostic versus therapeutic functions of kit or specify circumstances requiring further reimbursement.

Tip 6: Guarantee Correct Documentation: Preserve complete information of all offered providers and gear, together with date of service, sort of kit, and any related modifiers. Thorough documentation helps correct billing and facilitates communication amongst healthcare suppliers.

Tip 7: Confirm Insurance coverage Protection: Previous to offering providers or gear, confirm affected person insurance coverage protection for CPAP remedy and associated provides. This proactive step minimizes the danger of declare denials and ensures sufferers perceive their monetary duties.

Adhering to those coding suggestions ensures correct reimbursement, promotes environment friendly claims processing, and helps optimum affected person care. Correct coding contributes to a extra clear and accountable healthcare system, benefiting each suppliers and sufferers.

By implementing these sensible methods and staying knowledgeable about present coding tips, healthcare professionals can navigate the complexities of CPAP billing and contribute to the continuing development of sleep drugs. The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways of this complete information to CPT codes for CPAP machines and provides.

Conclusion

Correct Present Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding for CPAP machines and provides is essential for applicable reimbursement and environment friendly healthcare administration. This exploration has detailed important codes, together with E0601 (CPAP gadget), E0561 (interface), A7034 (oral home equipment), A9270 (provides), and 94660 (therapeutic procedures). Understanding these distinctions ensures correct claims processing, facilitating well timed funds for suppliers and supporting affected person entry to obligatory gear. Key facets of preliminary setup, follow-up changes, and upkeep/restore, together with related coding practices, have additionally been elucidated, emphasizing the great nature of efficient sleep apnea administration.

Standardized coding practices inside sleep drugs promote transparency and accountability, optimizing useful resource allocation and enhancing affected person care. As know-how evolves and remedy modalities advance, sustaining present information of relevant CPT codes stays important for healthcare professionals, guaranteeing correct billing and contributing to the continuing enchancment of sleep-disordered respiration administration. Continued training and adherence to established coding tips are essential for navigating the complexities of healthcare reimbursement and guaranteeing the sustainability of efficient sleep apnea remedy.