Government Announces Electronic Submission of ADP Applications in place by December 2020

The Ministry of Health has announced that beginning December 2020 vendors registered with the Assistive Devices Program will be able to submit their claims electronically. View Ministry communique. OSOT welcomes this change for electronic application submission for which we have advocated for some years. 

Changes to the ADP application process will ensure that when people need their first or a new assistive device—such as a wheelchair, a hearing aid, or other specialized supplies—they are not burdened with unnecessary paperwork and outdated timelines for small business vendors. By digitizing this process, small businesses that sell assistive devices would be able to upload claims online and receive payment in as little as 1-2 weeks instead of 8. 

The ADP has communicated the following details regarding implementation of this policy decision:

• Details relating to device category implementation dates
  
  
• Questions and Answers to support authorizers and vendors understand the new E-Submission process
  
  
• Technical Specifications Information

Implications for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists who are ADP Authorizers for any device category should have received communication from the ADP.  OSOT urges members to familiarize themselves with the new submission processes and identify any questions to ADP in advance of implementation dates for the device category. The Society invites members to identify any concerns or questions that remain unresolved to the Society so that OSOT may support authorizers and advance issues that need resolution to promote smooth implementation of the electronic submission process.

Updated application forms for each device category will be posted to the Central Forms Repository on the last business day prior to the month of implementation or each device category. While submission of applications by fax or mail  with existing forms will continue to be an option, OSOT urges members to explore the e-submission procedures which aim to make submission of applications more efficient, resulting in faster claims processing, faster payments to ADP registered vendors and devices getting to clients faster.