What DOES NSC Do Anyway?

National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) responsibilities include issuing and recommending revocations of Medicare Part B billing privileges for suppliers; and ensuring that only accredited, qualified suppliers are enrolled in the Medicare program. The NSC also is required to establish and maintain programs to prevent and detect fraud.

There…now you know!

DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Delayed; Accreditation Deadline Remains in Effect

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 was enacted on July 15, 2008. This new law delayed the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. As a result of this delay, the accreditation deadlines related only to the second round of the program have been cancelled.

However, the deadline of September 30, 2009, that was previously established for all DMEPOS suppliers to be able to bill Medicare Part B and retain a Medicare Part B billing number is still in effect.

Pharmacy Provisions Go to President

The Senate Wednesday invoked cloture and then passed by voice vote and sent to the President H.R.6331, legislation that includes suspension of the Medicare DME competitive bidding program, a 14-day reimbursement cycle for Medicare Part D claims, and a further delay in AMP-based Medicaid generic drug reimbursement cuts.

The cloture vote was 69 to 30. Sixty votes were required to move to final passage of the measure, whose main focus has been on preventing a 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians. Two previous attempts failed in the Senate last month. The House passed the bill 355-59.

More details will be coming soon on what you can do ensure that the three vital community pharmacy provisions become law in the face of a predicted presidential veto.

Stay tuned!