Attention Metroplex physicians: National DMEPOS Program has been delayed

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Program has been delayed. This act would have been implemented starting July 1, 2008, and would have affected physicians in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, among nine other regions nationwide. Read more background about this provision in a May 15 TAFP news article. In these areas, Medicare will pay for DMEPOS items claimed before June 30, 2008 using the standard DMEPOS fee schedule amounts, according to a statement from CMS. CMS will begin processing claims no later than July 28, 2008.

Below is a statement from CMS dated July 18.

"The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 was enacted on July 15, 2008. This new law has delayed the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. As a result of this delay, the special accreditation deadlines previously established for the second round of the program have been cancelled. Specifically, prior to enactment of this new law, suppliers must have been accredited or have applied for accreditation by July 21, 2008 to be eligible to submit a bid for the second round of competitive bidding and must have obtained accreditation by January 14, 2009 to be eligible for a second round contract. Both of these deadlines have been cancelled and no longer apply.

"The deadline of September 30, 2009 that was previously established by which all DMEPOS suppliers must be accredited is still in effect."

Related links:

For more information, go to CMS’ Web site.

Click here to read previous reporting from TAFP on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program and to access CMS-provided resources.