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Critics argue against CMS competitive bidding standards

Rehab Private Practice Alert, October 5, 2005

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking criticism for its proposed Medicare standards on competitive bidding for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics, according to PT Bulletin Online.

Suppliers, manufacturers, and accreditors raised both anxieties and objections this week, as CMS presented the proposed supplier quality standards to the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee. Critics argue that the new standards will be administratively burdensome and costly, limiting Medicare beneficiaries' access to essential products.

Among the standards raising concerns is a requirement that specialist certification will be required to provide some customized orthotics and prosthetics. The proposed standards outline general business requirements that will apply to all Medicare suppliers of durable medical equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics (DMEPOS), in addition to some product-specific service requirements.

Congress authorized a competitive acquisition process for DMEPOS products as part of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act. CMS will accept comments on the proposed standards until November 28.

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