CMS: Physicians Exempt From Durable Medical Equipment Accreditation
CMS announced today that ophthalmologists are exempt from accreditation requirements for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). As a result, ophthalmologists should NOT seek accreditation because the Sept. 30, 2009, deadline is no longer in effect.CMS would not guarantee the exemption as permanent, indicating that separate standards could be developed at a later date. The Academy will fight any future accreditation requirements.
The announcement recognizes the Academy’s long-standing position that physicians should be exempt from accreditation requirements for DME dispensing. CMS’ decision is based on Academy-backed language in the new Medicare law passed in July, and follows multiple meetings between the Academy and CMS officials that emphasized the impact onerous accreditation requirements would have on dispensing post-cataract glasses to Medicare beneficiaries.
This important decision means that your optical shops will not have to be accredited in order to bill for post-cataract glasses through the DME carrier. National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) numbers may now be applied for without accreditation by physicians who:
Had their NSC numbers deactivated;
Were newly practicing;
Were previously required to be accredited by March 1, 2008.
You can re-submit denied claims upon receipt of your new NSC number.