Medicare accreditation for competitive bidding

Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that establishes requirements for accreditation of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers and lays the groundwork for timely implementation of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. These new accreditation requirements will result in improved quality DMEPOS items and services for Medicare beneficiaries.

This final rule details the application process for independent accrediting organizations that would apply quality standards for all DMEPOS suppliers, including suppliers that would participate in the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. CMS expects to publish the quality standards in the near future.

The final rule also codifies a provision of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) that permits CMS to use contractors to assist in the implementation of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program and describes CMS’ plans for a DMEPOS competitive bidding education and outreach campaign.

To view the press release, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1924 on the CMS website.

To view the display version of the final rule (CMS-1540-F), go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/inpatientrehabfacpps/downloads/cms_1540f.pdf or http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcqforDMEPOS/02_regsnotices.asp on the CMS website.

For more information about the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcqforDMEPOS/01_overview.asp on the CMS website.