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Part B Accreditation FAQs

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What is the significance of September 30, 2009 for DMEPOS suppliers?

September 30, 2009 is the date when all Medicare Part B suppliers must be accredited to provide DMEPOS services to beneficiaries. Without DMEPOS accreditation signifying your facility has meet CMS quality standards, you will no longer be able to obtain or maintain your Part B billing number.

Do pharmacists selling DMEPOS have to obtain accreditation like other medical equipment dealers and suppliers?

Yes

I only sell diabetic testing supplies, do I have to obtain accreditation by September 30, 2009 to continue to supply Medicare beneficiaries?

Yes

Should I obtain accreditation if I am only billing Part B for diabetes testing supplies?

This I an individual business decision, however, it is important to remember that serving persons with diabetes involves more than just dispensing oral medications or insulin. Medicare beneficiaries suffering from complications of diabetes spend significant sums on medications and aids to daily living, like therapeutic foot wear. Independent pharmacists are well positioned to care for these patients.

When should I begin the accreditation process?

Today! Adapting your business to meet CMS quality standards designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries, limit system fraud and demonstrate your pharmacies efficient operating practices can take six months or longer to complete. Staff must be trained and policy and procedure manuals detailing compliance with CMS quality standards must be produced.

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.