NU

Overview

Modifier NU identifies DME purchased new from the supplier. Medicare reimburses purchased new equipment under the DMEPOS fee schedule\'s purchase rate. NU is one of three core DMEPOS purchase/rental modifiers — NU (new purchase), UE (used purchase), RR (rental). The correct modifier is required on the first claim for the equipment and determines the payment rate.

When to use

• The supplier is dispensing brand-new equipment that has never been used by a prior beneficiary.
• The beneficiary is purchasing the equipment outright rather than renting.
• The item is on the DMEPOS purchase fee schedule as eligible for outright purchase.

Common mistakes

• Using NU on capped-rental items that must be billed monthly with RR plus the appropriate rental-month modifier (KH/KI/KJ).
• Confusing NU with UE — used equipment requires UE and is paid at 75% of the new purchase rate.

Examples

• E0601-NU — CPAP device sold new (uncommon — CPAP is typically capped-rental with RR + KH/KI/KJ).
• K0001-NU — Standard manual wheelchair purchased new.