DME RESOURCE WILL AID PHARMACISTS

Pharmacists have a newonline resource to helpanswer questions about theCenters for Medicare &Medicaid Services'(CMS)rules and proposals regardingaccreditation and biddingas they pertain todurable medical equipment,prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).

The National Community Pharmacists Association,with support from Bayer Healthcare and Diabetes Care,has launched a DME Resource Center throughPharmacist e-Link. The Web site provides up-to-date,accurate information on DME accreditation and competitivebidding.

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 requires thatall Medicare Part B suppliers, including pharmacists,meet CMS quality standards to maintain supplier billingnumbers. The law also calls for competitive bidding ofDMEPOS beginning this year. Therefore, only accreditedsuppliers will be allowed to submit bids to supply DMEPOSto Medicare beneficiaries.

The online resource provides information on andexplanation of accreditation and competitive bidding.The forms and documentation needed to start theaccreditation process are available. Pharmacists alsocan register for DMe-Alerts.