In a recent conference call, CMS clarified that a pharmacy must be accredited if it supplies nebulizers (i.e., DMEPOS) for Part B drugs, but not if it supplies only Part B drugs and no DME. Thus, if a customer obtains Part B drugs from a pharmacy, but obtains the nebulizer elsewhere, the pharmacy does not need to be accredited.
However, CMS emphasized that enteral nutrients, equipment, and supplies are considered DMEPOS for purposes of the Competitive Bidding Program, so a pharmacy supplying these items requires accreditation.
Bill Popomaronis, R.Ph., NCPA vice president, home health and long term care pharmacy services, provides his thoughts and explanations on the latest DME information from CMS.
