Last August, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) released new Quality Standards for all suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics, Prosthetics and Supplies (DMEPOS). These new Quality Standards, required by the U.S. Congress, call for increased regulation of our profession through mandatory Facility Accreditation for all Medicare Part B Suppliers.
As an organization, ABC is excited about the future direction of these regulations. Through the implementation of mandatory accreditation standards, we expect to see a leveling of the playing field; now, all O&P suppliers will be required to meet the same essential standards that your practice currently adheres to. The implementation of these standards should help reduce the increased incidence of fraud and abuse we have seen in DMEPOS, and we are hopeful that this will result in fewer delayed claims.
These new standards will force unregulated O&P facilities to meet proper levels of care and deny those who cannot meet ABC and CMS standards the ability to serve Medicare beneficiaries.
Your status as an accredited facility brings you tremendous benefits in meeting the new CMS standards, as your business already meets most of CMS’ standards for organizational management, patient care, quality assessment and facility safety. However, to meet all of the new CMS regulations ABC’s accreditation standards must be expanded.
First, we are required to institute changes to our survey process. To comply with CMS regulations, all accreditation surveys must be “unannounced.” At some time during the 12 months prior to your facility’s accreditation expiration date ABC will survey your facility. It is a requirement that this survey be in person and unannounced, as the intent is for facilities to maintain high standards on an everyday basis.
Second, a new Supplier Compliance section is being added to the existing ABC accreditation standards. This is necessitated by the CMS Quality Standards, and meeting these standards is a requirement for maintaining your Medicare Supplier Number and/or NPI number.
2007 annual renewals will be mailed this month; validating ABC’s status as a non-profit organization, the Board of Directors has elected to not increase the accreditation fees at this time. However, the increased regulations and changes to the survey process may require a future change in the accreditation fee structure. Please be assured that ABC will thoroughly communicate any changes in the fee structure.
ABC has worked closely with CMS in developing these new standards and supports the increased regulations, as we believe all O&P patient care facilities need to adhere to high standards. To read the quality standards yourself visit O&P related information from the Medicare Learning Network at www.oandpcare.org/MLN.
For further information, please be sure to stop by the ABC booth at the AOPA Assembly and check www.abcop.org for future information as it becomes available.