CMS recently released a Technical Direction Letter (TDL) providing clarification to the accreditation requirements for suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies. Suppliers enrolled with the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) prior to March 1, 2008, must submit accreditation documentation to the NSC no later than October 1, 2009. Also detailed in the TDL are additional supplier types that require accreditation. Pedorthists, mastectomy fitters, orthopedic fitters/technicians and athletic trainers shall require accreditation to obtain/maintain Medicare billing privileges. Those suppliers exempt from accreditation are:
- Suppliers providing drugs and pharmaceuticals only
- Physicians, including dentists
- Audiologists
- Optometrists
- Prosthestists, including occularists
- Opticians
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
Exempt suppliers are reminded that accreditation exemptions only extend to the normal scope of services for the supplier specialty. Any products or services provided outside the normal range of services will require accreditation to obtain/maintain Medicare billing privileges. Suppliers submitting applications March 1, 2008, and forward must be accredited prior to enrolling with the NSC if not exempt from the accreditation requirement. If an enrolled DMEPOS supplier does not submit a complete accreditation application to the accrediting organizations by January 31, 2009, CMS cannot ensure that the accrediting organizations will be able to accredit them by the October 1, 2009, deadline.