The Three Absolute "Truths" of DME

By William Popomaronis, R.Ph.

There are only three absolute "truths" relating to Medicare's durable medical equipment (DME) competitive acquisition program (CAP), aka, competitive bidding, and supplier accreditation requirements. All reliable information is available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Anything else is "unofficial" and likely unverified rumor or assumption.

NCPA's goal through these e-alerts, powered by Pharmacist e-Link™ and supported by Bayer Health Care, is to set the record straight by providing reliable information straight to your desktop as it becomes available concerning DME accreditation and competitive bidding.

As to the truths we know at this time. They are as follows:

All suppliers must obtain accreditation to maintain their Medicare Part B billing number.( Source: FR-1540-F)
Only 10 deemed accreditation agencies have been approved to accredit suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
CMS has not set a deadline for DMEPOS suppliers to become accredited in order to retain/obtain a supplier enrollment number or to competitively bid.

Look to NCPA and partner Bayer Health Care to provide accurate and timely information on the challenges and business opportunities for pharmacists providing DMEPOS services in their communities.

For more information, visit the DME Resouce Center on Pharmacist e-Link at http://www.pharmacistelink.com/medicaredme/

Next Time: Preparing for competitive bidding? Hold on to your wallet!

William Popomaronis, R.Ph., is vice president, long term and home health care services for the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). He is also the only pharmacist member of Medicare’s Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC), which provides advice on the development and implementation of the DME Competitive Acquisition Program.

Bayer HealthCare, Diabetes Care, has underwritten the costs of this communication. The information expressed in this communication are the views of NCPA. Bayer is not responsible for the accuracy of the information expressed in this communication. Any questions related to DME Accreditation and/or Competitive Bidding for DMEPOS should be directed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or NCPA.


	Sponsored by Fast Facts Suppliers must obtain accreditation to maintain Medicare Part B billing numbers. Ten agencies are approved to accredit suppliers of DMEPOS. CMS has not set a deadline for suppliers to become accredited. Important Links: Medicare DME Home Page Medicare DME blog The Three Absolute "Truths" of DME By William Popomaronis, R.Ph. There are only three absolute "truths" relating to Medicare's durable medical equipment (DME) competitive acquisition program (CAP), aka, competitive bidding, and supplier accreditation requirements. All reliable information is available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Anything else is "unofficial" and likely unverified rumor or assumption. NCPA's goal through these e-alerts, powered by Pharmacist e-Link™ and supported by Bayer Health Care, is to set the record straight by providing reliable information straight to your desktop as it becomes available concerning DME accreditation and competitive bidding. As to the truths we know at this time. They are as follows: All suppliers must obtain accreditation to maintain their Medicare Part B billing number.( Source: FR-1540-F) Only 10 deemed accreditation agencies have been approved to accredit suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). CMS has not set a deadline for DMEPOS suppliers to become accredited in order to retain/obtain a supplier enrollment number or to competitively bid. Look to NCPA and partner Bayer Health Care to provide accurate and timely information on the challenges and business opportunities for pharmacists providing DMEPOS services in their communities. For more information, visit the DME Resouce Center on Pharmacist e-Link at http://www.pharmacistelink.com/medicaredme/ Next Time: Preparing for competitive bidding? Hold on to your wallet!

	William Popomaronis, R.Ph., is vice president, long term and home health care services for the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). He is also the only pharmacist member of Medicare’s Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC), which provides advice on the development and implementation of the DME Competitive Acquisition Program.

	Bayer HealthCare, Diabetes Care, has underwritten the costs of this communication. The information expressed in this communication are the views of NCPA. Bayer is not responsible for the accuracy of the information expressed in this communication. Any questions related to DME Accreditation and/or Competitive Bidding for DMEPOS should be directed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or NCPA.