tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45405219088134079812012-02-16T02:34:16.429-08:00<p><img src="http://www.pharmacistelink.com/images/billp-pic-sm-797705.gif" align="left" border="0">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.</p><br /><br /><br />dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comBlogger1211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-87727245067171107792009-12-15T05:26:00.000-08:002009-12-15T05:27:33.096-08:00

DMEPOS suppliers must submit a completed CMS-855S application to reactivate billing privileges that were voluntarily terminated. For suppliers that voluntarily terminated due to the accreditation/surety bond requirement, billing privileges will be effective the date that the application has been processed by the NSC.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-85295049994140476692009-10-06T10:19:00.000-07:002009-10-06T10:22:11.058-07:00

The Senate has passed HR 3663, the pharmacy DME accreditation extension deadline. Under the bill, which is now headed to President Obama for signature, the new pharmacy accreditation deadline will be January 1, 2010. As stated, however, we hope that the health care reform bill enacted before that time will include some exemption for pharmacies from the accreditation requirements. The

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-83414484013979723832009-09-21T07:44:00.000-07:002009-09-21T07:46:29.841-07:00

The October 2009 ASP pricing files and crosswalks are now available for download from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-48813324808106924602009-07-29T08:32:00.000-07:002009-07-29T08:39:44.307-07:00

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), National Rural Health Association (NRHA), American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), and the Diabetes Access to Care Coalition (DACC) have joined the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) in urging Congress to exempt community pharmacies from the Oct. 1 accreditation and surety bond requirements needed to continue

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-28554366359630774662009-06-22T06:09:00.000-07:002009-06-22T06:22:16.981-07:00

What did I learn at the June 4 CMS/PAOC meeting? That there are NO exceptions to DMEPOS accreditation. This includes pharmacists selling only diabetes supplies and unaccredited suppliers serving as diabetes supply subcontractors. All must be accredited by September 30, 2009.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-22682840627711220212009-06-02T06:15:00.000-07:002009-06-02T06:17:09.469-07:00

UPDATE YOUR NSC FILES: DMEPOS supplier standard # 2 requires ALL suppliers to notify the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) of any change to the information provided on the Medicare enrollment application (CMS-855S) within 30 days of the change. DMEPOS suppliers should use the 3/09 version of the CMS-855S and should review and update:• The list of products and services found in section 2.D;•

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-48844065994346851552009-05-28T07:18:00.000-07:002009-05-28T07:19:05.788-07:00

Pharmacy fraud is “unhealthy” for our industry. CMS has trouble distinguishing independents from other HME dealers when it comes to DMEPOS fraud. So I’m more than a little concerned when Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum recently announced a guilty verdict against a former Miami pharmacist for stealing over $1.3 million in prescription drugs from the Florida Medicaid program….and so should

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-24633944456931701202009-05-07T06:52:00.000-07:002009-05-07T06:54:16.898-07:00

NCPA met recently with CMS and asked for a six-month DMEPOS facility accreditation extension specifically for independent community pharmacies. Regretfully, government legal counsel advised CMS that they don’t have the statutory flexibility to grant pharmacy that option. Translation: NO!Oh well, I guess I’ll have to let my corporate office do the accreditation work for me like the big suppliers.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-45029819993375905132009-04-21T06:57:00.000-07:002009-04-21T06:59:59.672-07:00

Eighty-three members of the House of Representatives signed a letter urging CMS to rescind the interim final rule, which implements round one of competitive bidding, before its April 18 implementation date.The Obama Administration’s answer – NO WAY. Now, the battle in part, shifts to assuring small suppliers are given every opportunity to bid, and to keeping diabetes supplies as in Round One --

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-58736876205235936342009-04-06T06:32:00.000-07:002009-04-06T06:33:34.816-07:00

The National Supplier Clearing has posted surety bond FAQs on its website.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-23432754108269450912009-03-24T04:49:00.000-07:002009-03-24T04:51:55.735-07:00

March 24th is Diabetes Alert Day. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States . However, early detection and treatment of diabetes can prevent or delay many of the complications associated with the disease. In conjunction with Diabetes Alert Day, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would like to remind health care professionals that Medicare provides coverage

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-39032399626016143942009-03-18T06:52:00.000-07:002009-03-18T06:54:17.084-07:00

DMEPOS suppliers who submitted a completed application to an accrediting organization on or before January 31, will have their accreditation decision --either full accreditation or denied accreditation--on or before the September 30 deadline. DMEPOS suppliers submitting applications to an accrediting organization after January 31, may or may not have their accreditation decision by the September

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-69449397978559179482009-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:002009-03-16T12:16:11.113-07:00

"I did think it might be useful to point out that it wasn’t under me that we started buying a bunch of shares of banks. It wasn’t on my watch. And it wasn’t on my watch that we passed a massive new entitlement -– the prescription drug plan -- without a source of funding. And so I think it’s important just to note when you start hearing folks throw these words around that we’ve actually been

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-41703706955258460142009-03-10T08:13:00.000-07:002009-03-10T08:14:20.209-07:00

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated that it plans to move forward with the regulation requiring suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies to obtain a $50,000 surety bond for each enrolled location.NCPA continues to work with legislators to introduce legislation that would exempt pharmacists from the surety bond requirement.As part

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-80122516320090289642009-03-04T04:46:00.000-08:002009-03-04T04:53:53.805-08:00

President Barack Obama has nominated Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). If confirmed by the Senate, Sebelius would fill a vital Cabinet position originally slated to go to former Sen. Thomas A. Daschle, who withdrew from consideration last month. NCPA, in a congratulatory statement, said it anticipates working closely with the new Secretary to reform

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-72737752343483245392009-03-04T04:43:00.000-08:002009-03-04T04:45:26.869-08:00

Join NCPA for a members-only conference call on March 11 at 1 p.m. ET with me, Bill Popomaronis, to talk about what NCPA is doing regarding the DME including:* Supporting proposed legislation that would exempt pharmacists from a Medicare accreditation requirement.* Opposing the $50,000 surety bond requirement.* Working with programs that can help community pharmacies take steps maintain Part B

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-28667582976972425642009-02-17T11:14:00.000-08:002009-02-17T11:16:01.364-08:00

CMS has announced a 60-day delay in the effective date of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Interim Final Rule to April 18.The agency received nearly 550 comments in favor of delay -- "virtually all" comments supported delay.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-53145534480075484592009-02-05T07:29:00.000-08:002009-02-05T07:30:03.855-08:00

Former HHS nominee Tom Daschle understood the health care challenges plaguing this country and in the 90s worked with the Clinton Administration on health care reform. His expertise will be missed.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-50809421108466405282009-01-28T10:37:00.000-08:002009-01-28T10:39:59.323-08:00

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

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-48249688707909155512009-01-21T06:21:00.000-08:002009-01-21T06:22:54.375-08:00

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.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-43640472417424446002009-01-15T07:29:00.000-08:002009-01-15T07:30:15.750-08:00

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!

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-7483322426388168162009-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:002009-01-05T09:59:55.351-08:00

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.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-64461377364267392072008-12-23T06:29:00.000-08:002008-12-23T06:30:54.764-08:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available the Medicare Part B Drug and Biological Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Amounts for January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009, on the CMS website. The files are located in the "Downloads" section of this web page.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-11411139787544165182008-12-15T08:35:00.000-08:002008-12-15T08:36:34.101-08:00

The National Supplier Clearinghouse has provided the following information for pharmacists NOT supplying DMEPOS...CMS has deemed that suppliers providing drugs and pharmaceuticals only are not required to be accredited to obtain/maintain Medicare billing privileges. If suppliers bill for DMEPOS outside of pharmaceuticals, including products to administer drugs or pharmaceuticals, accreditation

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-2306862654596169222008-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:002008-12-15T08:32:26.108-08:00

If you have been billing Medicare for years or are just starting out, stop by the DME MAC A website today and Test Your DMEPOS Billing Knowledge!The Test Your Knowledge section is available at: http://www.medicarenhic.com/dme/dme_quiz_form.shtmlNew quizzes will be released regularly, so check back often.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-53180390150370901982008-12-15T06:50:00.000-08:002008-12-15T06:51:13.224-08:00

While the holiday season is a festive time for many, it can cause depression for seniors who've lost loved ones or are having health or financial problems.For some seniors, this despondency can lead to suicide, according to the American Geriatrics Society, which noted that the 2004 suicide rate for Americans over the age of 65 was 14 per 100,000. Considering the current economic crisis, I expect

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-55587285659487471822008-12-10T05:53:00.000-08:002008-12-10T05:55:40.831-08:00

It is alleged that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, in a charge related to the appointment of a senator to replace Barack Obama, sought appointment for himself as Secretary of Health and Human Services, or a lucrative job with a union, in exchange for appointing a union-preferred candidate.Regardless of your affiliation, you have GOT to love politics!

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-91357740494866426562008-12-09T07:01:00.000-08:002008-12-09T07:04:01.283-08:00

A study found that people given packaged meals were more successful at losing weight than were participants who chose their own portion sizes. Cutting down on portion sizes is the best way to combat the creeping obesity epidemic. Pharmacists can assist patients, especially those with diabetes, in managing weight issues by providing easy ways to measure portions correctly. For example, your fist

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-78351958413449533942008-12-01T14:16:00.001-08:002008-12-01T14:19:33.692-08:00

According to a nationwide survey by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), only 25 percent of people with diabetes know their HbA1c level, and less than 20 percent have their HbA1c tested regularly. FDA approved, over-the-counter Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests should have prominent shelf space in your pharmacy's diabetes care department.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-17750449573494592502008-11-25T06:25:00.000-08:002008-11-25T06:26:51.117-08:00

The 29th Annual Medtrade Conference and Expo was held in late October at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Medtrade officials this week reported attendance of nearly 10,500 at this year’s show, a dip of almost 20 percent from last year. Officials said the attendance dip reflects the industry and economic conditions, and general trends from all trade shows.Nonetheless, the “baby

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-54071219008488836212008-11-19T08:39:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:41:07.170-08:00

There are two great articles in the November issue of America 's Pharmacist magazine related to DMEPOS accreditation and competitive bidding. One is "Fact Versus Fiction" by Harry A. Lattanzio, R.Ph., of PRS Pharmacy Services (page 34). In this one, Harry sets the record straight on accreditation requirements.The other article is Jeffrey S. Baird's "Rx Law" column on the future of competitive

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-41951034408934938452008-11-12T06:46:00.000-08:002008-11-12T06:47:00.901-08:00

A CDC analysis of data on 24,000 U.S. adults found that more than 25% of Americans have pre-diabetes, but only 4% were aware of their condition. Researchers said more awareness about pre-diabetes could help people make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.It’s all about drug cost containment and preventative care! Are you doing your part?

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-45223966896855076072008-11-08T11:13:00.000-08:002008-11-08T11:14:40.013-08:00

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) warned policymakers late Friday that Medicaid spending is projected to grow much faster than the economy over the next 10 years. With expenditures headed toward $5 trillion over the decade, agency officials said, now is the time to rein in costs. “This is an urgent reminder that the current spending path of Medicaid is unsustainable,” said

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-394454334716700852008-10-31T04:20:00.001-07:002008-10-31T04:20:58.752-07:00

The nation's obesity epidemic is exacting a heavy toll: The rate of new diabetes cases nearly doubled in the United States in the past 10 years, the government said Thursday. The highest rates were in the South, according to the first state-by-state review of new diagnoses. The worst was in West Virginia, where about 13 in 1,000 adults were diagnosed with the disease in 2005-07. The lowest was in

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-58440069754603059692008-10-21T05:18:00.000-07:002008-10-21T05:20:10.871-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced aggressive new steps to find and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. CMS is working closer with beneficiaries and providers; consolidating its fraud detection efforts; strengthening its oversight of medical equipment suppliers and home health agencies; and launching the national recovery audit contractor (RAC) program.The

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-71995731431682898022008-10-06T09:31:00.000-07:002008-10-06T09:33:12.184-07:00

As a result of MIPPA 2008, CMS has decided to bring “fresh blood” to the PAOC. The current PAOC group is no more. An alternative would have been to extend the term of the original members. I, for one, would have liked to see this through. The committee has invested five years trying to assure beneficiaries have convenient access to DMEPOS through the implementation of competitive bidding.It

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-86971849062203369112008-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:002008-09-28T15:37:43.215-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available the Medicare Part B Drug and Biological Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Amounts for October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 on the CMS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/McrPartBDrugAvgSalesPrice/01a_2008aspfiles.asp#TopOfPage. The files are located in the "Downloads" section of this web page.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-66826878984354243842008-09-22T07:14:00.000-07:002008-09-22T07:15:19.120-07:00

The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $96.40 in 2009, the same as the Part B premium for 2008, according to CMS. This is the first year since 2000 that there was no increase in the standard premium over the prior year. What happens after the elction is anybody’s guess!

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-24956620380441763262008-09-17T06:51:00.000-07:002008-09-17T06:53:11.625-07:00

The accreditation process may take up to nine months to complete for an enrolled DMEPOS supplier that submits a complete application to the Accreditation Organizations (AOs), and has no deficiencies to correct post onsite-survey. Therefore, all enrolled DMEPOS suppliers will need to submit a complete accreditation application to the accreditation organizations (AOs) by January 31, 2009. This is

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-84222450450358132472008-09-08T06:10:00.001-07:002008-09-08T06:10:44.502-07:00

At a September 3 Special Open Door Forum to address DMEPOS supplier exemptions for some practitioners—and NO pharmacists are NOT exempt—CMS announced that they have been assured that accreditating organizations have the capacity to accredit all suppliers, including pharmacists, by the September 30, 2009, deadline, BUT only if they apply BEFORE January 31, 2009. Many retail buying groups and

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-60934251999958120722008-08-28T11:34:00.000-07:002008-08-28T11:36:19.671-07:00

I guess it’s not only seniors that sometimes face the tough choice of buying food versus medicine.In a recent survey, it was discovered that borrowing and sharing of prescription medications is common practice among more than one-third of women of reproductive age. Women of reproductive age (18-44 years) are more likely to report this practice (36.5%) than are other aged women (19.5%). Allergy

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-15748236358141423662008-08-14T14:05:00.000-07:002008-08-14T14:07:05.788-07:00

CMS Deputy Administrator Herb Kuhn writes in a letter to the editor, published Aug. 5 in the Baltimore Sun:“Congress just axed a promising program to replace government-mandated pricing with competitive bidding” for DME. “Continued congressional inertia will only impose crushing obligations on our children and grandchildren and undermine our country's economic viability in a global economy.”

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-76742360184214287712008-08-05T07:04:00.000-07:002008-08-05T07:05:29.474-07:00

According to government figures, Medicare loses approximately $70 billion annually to fraud. Of that, approximately $700 million--less than 1 percent--is from fraudulent DME claims.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-42529804917950201652008-07-30T05:42:00.001-07:002008-07-30T05:42:54.745-07:00

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!

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-28883335380082437612008-07-23T06:27:00.001-07:002008-07-23T06:27:55.260-07:00

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,

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-73901946543899308842008-07-10T07:33:00.000-07:002008-07-10T07:35:44.291-07:00

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

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-3804683409759987942008-06-25T08:29:00.000-07:002008-06-25T08:30:43.726-07:00

The nebulizers local coverage determination, effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2008, is being revised. The implementation of least costly alternative to the FDA-approved unit dose combination of albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide (DuoNeb - J7620) is delayed and will become effective for claims with dates of service on or after November 1, 2008. Suppliers should become

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-58247408953402237102008-06-19T06:55:00.000-07:002008-06-19T07:59:45.451-07:00

In a recent statement, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) proved he "gets it" when it comes to delaying the start of Medicare competitive bidding.“Durable medical equipment can give seniors the freedom to live at home, and so it’s important to maintain a reliable system in Medicare to provide these vital items," Baucus said. "I am supportive of competitive bidding as a means

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-74227874950740795572008-06-12T11:43:00.001-07:002008-06-12T11:43:58.794-07:00

Citing faulty implementation of Medicare’s competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and supplies (DMEPOS), the American Association for Homecare filed a federal lawsuit on June 9 seeking to stop the controversial bidding program.The program affects medical equipment and services used by Medicare beneficiaries in the home including oxygen therapy, hospital beds, and

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-10218624066996654542008-06-03T09:58:00.000-07:002008-06-03T09:59:17.127-07:00

Recently, CMS posted two new tip sheets related to competitive bidding, one on grandfathering and another for referral agents. Both tip sheets can be found on the CMS competitive bidding website at www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOScompetitivebid. Click on the "Provider Educational Products and Resources" tab and scroll down to the “Downloads” section.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-79134647340762527572008-05-29T09:13:00.000-07:002008-05-29T09:15:20.495-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the names of the 325 suppliers that have signed contracts with Medicare to provide certain medical equipment and supplies to beneficiaries in 10 communities across the U.S.Find out the names of winning bidders in your Metropolitan Statistical Area.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-35428311833053729292008-05-21T06:31:00.001-07:002008-05-21T06:31:57.712-07:00

Based on bids submitted by these suppliers, beneficiaries and Medicare will see prices, on average, 26 percent lower than Medicare currently pays for the same items. CMS received bids from 1,005 suppliers. There were just under 6,200 bids for one or more product categories in competitive bidding areas (CBAs) where the new program is being implemented. CMS offered contracts to 23 percent of

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-54346715011733235442008-05-20T06:53:00.002-07:002008-05-21T06:34:18.973-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the names of the 325 suppliers that have signed contracts with Medicare to provide certain medical equipment and supplies to beneficiaries in 10 communities across the U.S. The new competitive bidding program goes into effect on July 1, 2008.CMS also announced that it is extending the deadline for suppliers in the 70 second round

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-41516713139780175132008-05-14T06:38:00.000-07:002008-05-14T06:39:43.613-07:00

Calling the program “somewhere between flawed and lousy,” House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Fortney “Pete” Stark (D-Calif.), said he was unsure if repeal legislation could pass this year. Round I of the program is set to take effect July 1 in 10 MSAs. However, he added he would work with the industry to try to block competitive bidding, despite the costs of ending the program.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-74724803912834278342008-05-08T11:28:00.000-07:002008-05-08T11:29:46.438-07:00

What Ways and Means Committee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) said when Acting CMS Commissioner Weems responded that he saw nothing that he would change about the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-51143051823082485182008-05-01T07:11:00.000-07:002008-05-01T07:12:43.825-07:00

Competitive bidding numbers gleaned from CMS officials at a briefing for House of Representatives staff ricocheted around the country last week. While much of the data was confusing, one thing was clear: Nearly 63 percent of the bids in Round One were disqualified.CMS revealed that of the 1,005 unique bidders in Round One, 630 were disqualified due to insufficient applications.Initially, CMS had

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-32178509942159618132008-04-22T06:38:00.001-07:002008-04-22T06:38:49.238-07:00

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

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-46275404656703797052008-04-17T07:17:00.000-07:002008-04-17T07:18:40.758-07:00

The next time someone asks you why being an NCPA member is important, or why supporting NCPAPAC or the LDF is critical to your business margins, or why it is so hard to get Congress to make our legislation a priority in the face of competing interests, you can cite the info in this article:Health care interests spend more on federal lobbying ($445 million) than any other sector of the economy (

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-83068158849461694142008-04-09T06:37:00.000-07:002008-04-09T06:38:26.422-07:00

Over the last year, CMS has received numerous comments and suggestions regarding the proposed revisions to the Medicare enrollment applications. CMS reviewed the comments and adopted many of the suggested revisions. Also, CMS incorporated a number of enhancements and changes to clarify the enrollment process and to reduce the burden imposed on the provider and supplier communities. Make sure your

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-29908304206329762102008-04-02T06:47:00.001-07:002008-04-02T06:47:31.595-07:00

In announcing the first round of competitive bidding winners, CMS SAYS it ensured that small suppliers had the opportunity to participate in the competitive bidding program.More than 6,300 bids were received from hundreds of suppliers. Sixty-four percent of winning bidders are "small" suppliers. How many pharmacists were winning bidders? I don’t know, but I’m going to do my best to find out!

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-62800734788747346162008-03-24T06:48:00.000-07:002008-03-24T06:50:18.923-07:00

To view the Medicare Press Release, please click: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-23227005662404223962008-03-20T07:06:00.001-07:002008-03-20T07:06:35.790-07:00

An estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and it could rob one of eight Baby Boomers of their mental capacities, according to a report released Tuesday by the Alzheimer's Association.I’m told by my physician that forgetting what I was supposed to do when I get to the bottom of the steps is NOT Alzheimer’s. But, I still don't like it! Try not to take life too seriously my

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-71019493078045536322008-03-13T06:28:00.000-07:002008-03-13T06:30:04.641-07:00

A recent survey found that most pharmacists' salaries exceed $100,000. The average annual base salary was $107,403 in 2007, compared with $94,927 in 2006. It costs less than one quarter of one percent (0.0023 percent) of your yearly salary to have our collective voices heard through NCPA on Capitol Hill. In our business, we RARELY get deals like this one.Wondering about the return on investment?

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-42386010103518931542008-03-05T06:51:00.000-08:002008-03-05T06:52:01.827-08:00

On March 1, 2008, Medicare claims submitted by physicians and other practitioners, laboratories, ambulance company suppliers, DMEPOS suppliers and others that bill Medicare are required to include the new National Provider Identifier (NPI).All 837P and CMS-1500 claims MUST have an NPI or NPI/legacy pair in the required primary provider fields. Failure to include an NPI will cause rejection of

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-56092070533244898952008-02-27T06:38:00.000-08:002008-02-27T06:39:33.094-08:00

Hospital spending will double to more than $1.3 trillion by 2017, making up roughly 30 percent of all healthcare spending and representing the largest portion, by far, of any provider group, according to the CMS.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-79076364405667680692008-02-20T06:42:00.000-08:002008-02-20T06:43:19.727-08:00

CMS’ actuaries estimate that DME competitive bidding will produce the following savings for the Medicare trust funds beginning in FY 2009 ($ in millions):2009 -- $ 6402010 -- $1,0302011 -- $1,1002012 -- $1,1902013 -- $1,290

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-77119887248694310732008-02-13T06:56:00.001-08:002008-02-13T06:56:46.997-08:00

A Senate bill introduced last week would impose a $500,000 surety bond requirement on providers of durable medical equipment (DME) to Medicare beneficiaries.The bill, S.2603, the “Medicare Fraud Prevention Act of 2008,” would increase the $50,000 surety bond requirement by a factor of 10. The bill would also increase civil and criminal fines for Medicare fraud and abuse. The bill is sponsored by

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-48424974985208992312008-02-06T06:49:00.000-08:002008-02-06T06:53:02.029-08:00

Locations must be open a minimum of 30 hours a week. The CMS is also seeking comments on whether to establish a minimum square footage requirement. Suppliers must have comprehensive liability insurance of $300,000 per incident. Cell phones, beepers and answering machines can't be used as the primary business phone during operating hours. Suppliers can't use "a contract individual or entity to

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-31088497275831997722008-01-30T07:04:00.000-08:002008-01-30T07:06:54.205-08:00

“Accreditation is not just about writing a check and waiting for a survey. It’s up to providers to stay on top of the process. Do not sit back and wait. Do not assume that because you have sent a check in that you will (make) the deadlines. Go to your organization and they will tell you what your timeline is." -- CMS's Sandra Bastinelli, January 22 DME Accreditation 101 teleconference

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-39640900617114075372008-01-25T06:20:00.000-08:002008-01-25T06:21:51.577-08:00

While it is technically correct that you do not have to be accredited to become a DMEPOS subcontract supplier, supplying bid items like walkers, for a winning bidder, the point is now moot.If you sell just one box of diabetes testing strips, EVEN if you are a subcontracted supplier for walkers, you MUST obtain accreditation by September 30, 2009. Now, if you just want to sell walkers as a

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-5555551146950221862008-01-16T06:51:00.000-08:002008-01-16T06:52:16.274-08:00

After Medicare providers have submitted claims containing both NPIs and legacy identifiers and those claims have been paid, Medicare urges these providers to send a small batch of claims NOW with only the NPI in the primary provider fields. If the results are positive, begin increasing the number of claims in the batch. Note: All current and past CMS NPI communications are available by clicking

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-33736190968023666542008-01-15T06:49:00.000-08:002008-01-15T06:51:06.416-08:00

DMEPOS Accreditation 101Tuesday, January 221 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Eastern TimeThis audio conference is the first in a series of four designed to provide guidance to DMEPOS suppliers regarding accreditation. Topics to be discussed will be compliance with the DMEPOS Quality Standards, the accreditation process and providing ample time to answer questions from the suppliers. To download the call

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-89786527250526902152008-01-14T08:34:00.000-08:002008-01-14T08:35:34.160-08:00

“I cannot stress enough the importance for all Part B DMEPOS suppliers to apply for accreditation early, and not wait until September 30, 2009. Suppliers considering participating in the second phase of the competitive bidding program should apply for accreditation immediately.” -- CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems (1/8/08)

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-63791282447469338392008-01-09T07:19:00.000-08:002008-01-09T07:20:48.203-08:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Tuesday announced 70 new areas across the nation will be part of the second phase of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program. Ten areas currently participate in the program.CMS expects to begin pre-bidding activities of the second round, such as announcing the specific zip codes

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-45432217853688237442008-01-02T09:40:00.001-08:002008-01-07T06:53:48.509-08:00

Accreditors continue to reiterate their warnings that providers need to allow time for the accreditation and survey processes. This time…I BELIEVE THEM. The process can take from several months to a year, depending on the pharmacy's resources and the DMEPOS services provided. You MUST realize that if everyone waits until the last minute, some companies will be left in the cold — without a

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-30846128527772787382007-12-21T06:39:00.000-08:002007-12-21T06:40:11.602-08:00

"If you are not accredited by Sept. 30, 2009, the National Suppliers Clearinghouse will revoke your billing privileges," said CMS official Sandra Bastinelli.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-58385193919908199962007-12-19T16:04:00.000-08:002007-12-19T16:05:24.251-08:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has set September 30, 2009 as the deadline for Medicare Part B suppliers to attain accreditation in order to provide DMEPOS products and services to beneficiaries. After this date, accreditation will be required in order to apply and receive a Medicare Part B billing number from the National Supplier Clearinghouse.For more information on

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-40214552097278619512007-12-14T06:59:00.000-08:002007-12-14T07:21:43.319-08:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host an Open Door Forum on DMEPOS Accreditation Deadlines Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.CMS will announce the following during the Forum:The deadline by which new suppliers must apply to the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) for a supplier number in order to qualify for a special accreditation grace period;The deadline by which new

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-60815334232571230462007-11-30T07:01:00.000-08:002007-12-07T06:54:05.921-08:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) instructed the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) to begin the DMEPOS demonstration project on November 1. This demonstration project involves all DMEPOS suppliers located in the following counties: South Florida – Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Southern California – Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San BernardinoEach DMEPOS supplier in

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-51905670931321793752007-11-27T08:12:00.000-08:002007-11-27T08:13:17.752-08:00

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is a multi-agency team of investigators that identifies potential fraud cases through real-time analysis of billing data from the Medicare Program Safeguard Contractors and Health Care Information System claims data. It is part of a multi-phase enforcement and regulatory effort to "improve the quality of the industry and reduce the potential for fraud," according

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-64081368121241633362007-11-15T16:49:00.000-08:002007-12-07T06:54:24.337-08:00

After release of its supplier quality standards in August 2006, CMS named 11 approved accrediting organizations late last year to enforce them. A merger in January between two of the organizations left 10 accreditors ready to deal with what many had expected to be an accreditation rush in the initial competitive bidding areas. But, the rush never came. CMS's Sandra Bastinelli, charged with

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-19672073792682677322007-10-30T09:38:00.000-07:002007-10-30T09:57:12.464-07:00

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time when the nation prepares to thank, support, educate, and celebrate its estimated 50 million caregivers. Many of your customers are part of the "sandwich" generation -- baby boomers caring for aged parents AND teenagers. They have A LOT of stress. Make it your business to recognize them when they come into your pharmacy. They will use a lot of

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-28123193111778480782007-10-26T09:54:00.000-07:002007-10-30T09:57:45.683-07:00

CMS suggested in the Final Rule on competitive bidding that approximately 18,000 DMEPOS suppliers serviced the first 10 selected MSAs. Of those, 90 percent would bid, and of those 50 percent, or approximately 8,000, would be winning bidders. At the most recent PAOC meeting it was disclosed that approximately 2,000 suppliers submitted bids. The question of the day is…are 2,000 suppliers sufficient

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-53316498615787385842007-10-19T07:09:00.000-07:002007-10-30T09:54:21.812-07:00

Four Reasons Most Pharmacists Are NOT Yet Accredited to Sell DMEPOS1. Diabetes supplies are exempt from competitive bidding in the first round (However, you STILL must obtain accreditation to sell them.) 2. The mandatory accreditation deadline for ALL suppliers has NOT been announced (see DMe-Alert, Oct. 19).3. Accreditation costs still remain prohibitive (approximately $8,500).4. Surety bond

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-28365819595750993422007-10-02T11:05:00.000-07:002007-10-02T11:18:26.943-07:00

Suppliers bidding on DMEPOS product categories like walkers must not only account for inflation over a three year period, but must additionally consider the cost of raw commodities used to build these items. For instance, the price of batteries used in power wheelchairs have skyrocketed due to the incredible increases in the cost of lead. Even the government has a tough time predicting inflation,

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-40411748194177047012007-09-24T09:50:00.000-07:002007-09-25T11:05:12.867-07:00

Pharmacist that supply DMEPOS and plan to participate in the first round of national competitive bidding must submit their bids by 9 p.m. EST tomorrow, Sept. 25. I know their aren’t many of you out there, but I thought I’d let you know anyway.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-24281406392720238572007-09-19T10:43:00.000-07:002007-09-25T11:04:55.154-07:00

CMS has scheduled the next PAOC meeting right in the middle of the NCPA Annual Convention in Anaheim. I'll be speaking at the Convention about the challenges of accreditation and competitive bidding. Member concerns regarding surety bonds, accreditation costs and the inappropriateness of the CMS small supplier definition need to be discussed…so I’m NOT happy. I’ll make my concerns known to CMS,

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-79716393354264337242007-09-13T08:37:00.000-07:002007-09-13T09:21:09.955-07:00

On Tuesday, September 11, President Bush designated Kerry N. Weems as acting CMS administrator.Also announced was the appointment of Herb Kuhn as deputy CMS administrator. Kuhn has served for nearly a year as acting deputy administrator.Speaking at the American Association for Homecare's Legislative Conference in June, Kuhn told the group that CMS is moving toward full implementation of

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-15142355772100567602007-09-05T10:54:00.000-07:002007-09-05T11:26:52.019-07:00

A new feature has been added to the DME Resource Center (www.pharmacistelink.com/medicaredme) entitled "Accreditation Corner."As you know by now, in order to maintain a Medicare Part B supplier billing number ALL suppliers must obtain accreditation through one of 10 CMS approved accreditation agencies.Except for those suppliers that are bidding to supply DME in the first 10 competitive bid areas

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-24911341148824118522007-08-29T08:55:00.000-07:002007-08-30T14:05:36.745-07:00

Some accreditors have voiced their concerns over the lack of attention placed on correctly filling out the agecy's application. In particular, agency customer service representatives are spending an inordinate amount of time trying to sort through the paper work presented because it is unclear. At the very least, improperly filled out applications will delay accreditation and may cause prices to

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-24711266214077431312007-08-21T09:51:00.000-07:002007-08-23T07:52:20.353-07:00

Suppliers in the initial 10 competitive bidding areas have less than a week left to register for their user IDs and passwords--and the registrations will determine whether CMS gets the number of bidders it had expected.Providers who want to participate in the first round of Medicare bidding must register by Aug. 27 in order to access CMS' Internet-based bid submission system.On July 27, the

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-17769616420424961982007-08-16T06:09:00.000-07:002007-08-16T12:44:09.888-07:00

Is it any wonder pharmacists aren’t rushing to obtain accreditation or competitively bid to sell DME! On a positive note, diabetic testing supplies, at least in this first round, are exempt.However, what is not so good is that CMS has yet to set a date when all suppliers must obtain accreditation.Additionally, with its selection of less than $3.5 million in aggregate sales as the benchmark for

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-50081179167873248842007-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:002007-08-16T12:35:44.351-07:00

Early last Friday, CMS issued notice that it was extending the window for DMEPOS competitive bidding an additional 60 days. This extension was granted to allow suppliers additional time to consider their bid submissions in the 10 bidding areas, and to have the opportunity to update their bids based. “We wanted to make sure DMEPOS suppliers in the bidding areas had all the available information

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-16085620977780807132007-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:002007-07-27T13:38:39.602-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending the bid submission, registration, and accreditation deadlines for the first round of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.Please note: All bids are now due by 9:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time on September 25, 2007. Suppliers that have already submitted their

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-13474878081542569702007-07-23T08:01:00.000-07:002007-07-23T08:11:41.949-07:00

CMS announced last week that it is giving providers one more week to submit bids for national competitive bidding.The new deadline: 9 p.m. EST on July 27.It's the second time CMS has extended the deadline. CMS also pointed out that it has revised its customer service hours to 6 a.m. to midnight EST. The help desk (877-577-5331) will operate 24 hours the day before bidding closes.

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-67307000751603463382007-07-17T06:46:00.000-07:002007-07-19T11:14:32.156-07:00

Winning suppliers must be careful not to provide DMEPOS items at a loss to Medicare beneficiaries. Under the median price methodology, half of the “winning” bidders will be paid for DMEPOS at a rate below what they bid. The other half will have their bids RAISED to the median. So, if your bid was as low as you could go and you are a winning bidder above the median bid, your bid will be lower --

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-25232187361417820072007-07-09T04:59:00.000-07:002007-07-23T08:19:11.684-07:00

Last week, the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website was updated with several Q&As regarding mail order diabetic supplies. In addition, most Q&As relating to the mail order competitive bidding program were reorganized under a separate "Mail Order" page under the "FAQ" section of the CBIC website.The web address is: http://www.dmecompetitivebid.com/cbic/cbic.nsf/

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-3665152001621810312007-07-02T05:40:00.000-07:002007-07-02T07:26:58.166-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending the registration and bid submission deadlines for the first round of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies(DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.All bids are now due by 9 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time July 20, and the registration deadline is July 7.The accreditation deadline for the first round of

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-49595354155326301762007-06-29T05:15:00.000-07:002007-06-29T07:15:01.638-07:00

Suppliers who suspect their area may be included in the next round of competitive bidding should get accredited ASAP, say accreditation agencies.As suppliers in the first 10 MSAs now scramble to get accredited, all kinds of problems have developed. For example, in their mad dash to submit the necessary paperwork, surveyors have noted, many suppliers "are not submitting the appropriate information

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4540521908813407981.post-81770705925787527152007-06-21T07:07:00.000-07:002007-06-22T05:57:57.608-07:00

The Office of Inspector (OIG) conducted random supplier site visits in 2001. Of 169 DMEPOS suppliers sampled, 10 did not exist at their business address, yet they billed Medicare almost $393,000 in the two months AFTER CMS determined that they were absent. Fast forward to 2007 and CMS-1270-F - - mandatory accreditation. Make sense now?

dme alert servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531727086764190190noreply@blogger.com