Definition of Operational

Operational means the provider or supplier has a qualified physical practice location that remains open to the public and properly staffed during posted business hours for the purpose of providing health care related services. Further, the practice location must be prepared to submit valid Medicare claims, and equipped or stocked to furnish these items or services.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not consider the business to be operational if no one is available at the place of business during routine deliveries or off-site maintenance of supplies or products to Medicare beneficiaries.