DME Accreditation Application Deadine Nears -- Jan. 31

Since DME accreditation and competitive bidding requirements were proposed in MMA 2003, I’ve tried my best to share information with good, hard-working pharmacists, so each of you can ask the appropriate questions and make good business decisions for your pharmacy. Frankly, there are no right or wrong answers. And, the battle continues through NCPA to limit the impact of these burdensome requirements on your business. Each day, every one of you does what’s best for your patients. I know…I did it myself for 20 years.

Please do not hesitate to challenge me to do a better job for you. I can be reached directly at NCPA at 703-838-2644.

CMS Announces Members of Second Program Advisory and Oversight Committee for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the members of its new Program Advisory and Oversight Committee(PAOC) for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding. Guess what. There is not a pharmacist or diabetes educator association representative in the bunch. We’ve got A LOT of work to do!

Visit the CMS website to view the list of PAOC members.

Why Do We Do It?

According to CMS, in March 2008, there were 113,154 unique 10-digit NSC numbers. As of September 2008, there were approximately 113,000 NPIs. About 69.2 percent of you bill for LESS THAN $25,000 per year.

Why do we do it? For the convenience and care of our patients...PERIOD!

Happy New Year Medicare Beneficiaries

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is requiring certain durable medical equipment suppliers, including pharmacists, to post a surety bond. In addition, CMS believes a large number of suppliers will elect not to accredit or bond their businesses, remarkably, they also believe beneficiary access WILL NOT be significantly affected.