Accreditation
Medicare mandates that all suppliers of Part B DMEPOS items, equipment
and/or supplies must be accredited in order to receive reimbursement for
the items.
Though this mandate has been in place for several years, accreditation
continues to be an important component of business for HME providers as they
not only need to renew their accreditation every three years, but they also need
to gain accreditation for new services in order to satisfy various payors. This is
especially true as they diversify in order to offset the impact of CMS’s national
competitive bidding program on their businesses.
There are 10 deemed organizations on the CMS list of accrediting organizations.
Some of the accrediting organizations are better suited to help particular
providers based on their product/category specialties. It’s then up to the process
of the accrediting organizations as to the steps needed. Once the preparation is
complete the surveyor would then perform an onsite visit to verify and validate
that they meet the CMS quality standards. They then are given a certificate of
accreditation and it is reported to CMS.
Accreditation time varies based on the provider’s scope and scale of business,
as well as the complexity of the policies and procedures it must integrate. If you
are getting accredited for new product lines, be realistic, as the process could
last four to six months. Also, providers need to investigate whether their accrediting
body offers any “accelerated tracks” to help quickly achieve compliance.
Some organizations also offer post-accreditation service to assist providers in
maintaining standards between accreditation periods. Here’s a look at some of
the accreditation services available to HMEs.
Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP)
Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) focuses on the "process." The CHAP standards address the organization as a whole and guide the organization in focusing on the structure, function, quality, resources (human, fiscal and physical) and long-term viability. Many organizations have shared that the process assisted them in identifying better ways of conducting business and providing the quality of services for which they want to be recognized. CHAP is approved for diabetic supplies, canes, crutches, walkers, commode chairs, hospital beds, traction equipment; Appendix A: respiratory equipment, supplies and services; Appendix B: manual wheelchairs and power mobility devices; Appendix C: orthotics and prosthetic devices.
Joint Commission
Joint Commission
The Joint Commission, one of the oldest accrediting bodies, bases its accreditation decisions on data, fact and a compilation of specific issues that are directly observed in the field. Decisions are made based on observation of patient care, as opposed to the observation of policies, procedures, practices and processes. The standards and the survey process that apply to the accreditation product are all developed, devised and created with collaboration from industry sources. The HME industry and the respiratory care industry all have input through advisory councils and a professional technical advisory committee. Joint Commission is approved for all products and services described in Section 1834(a)(13) of the Act; prosthetic devices, orthotics and prosthetics described in Section 1834(h) of the Act; and items described in Section 1842(s)(2) of the Act.
Accreditation Commission for Health Care
ACHC to present accreditation workshop
Accreditation Workshop
Tim Safley, ACHC’s HME, Sleep Pharmacy
Manager, will present a half-day workshop on
how ACHC accreditation can help prepare
for RAC and CERT audits and how they affect
the DMEPOS supplier. Attendees can get a
first look at ACHC’s new standards, specific to
your services, to create a customized smoother accreditation process. This workshop
is perfect for renewals or new companies interested in preparing for ACHC
accreditation.
The Compliance Team
Accreditation Programs
CMS-approved
The Compliance Team’s Exemplary Provider specializes in accreditation programs for DMEPOS, pharmacy, homecare and specialty providers. The small business-friendly company offers industry-leading product lines and service-specific quality standards.
(847) 359-0320
The Compliance Team
Accreditation Programs
CMS-approved
The Compliance Team’s Exemplary Provider specializes in accreditation programs for DMEPOS, pharmacy, homecare and specialty providers. The small business-friendly company offers industry-leading product lines and service-specific quality standards.
The Compliance Team Inc.
Board of Orthotist / Prosthetist Certification
BOC Facility Accreditation
Show your dedication and commitment to providing quality, comprehensive patient care with BOC Facility Accreditation. Count on an accrediting organization that knows what you’re going through. Our accreditation professionals have experience as DMEPOS managers, owners, and employees. Count on BOC to support you through every stage of the process.
BOC is a CMS-approved deemed accrediting organization for all DMEPOS product categories. To review our accreditation process, quality standards, and application, please visit our website or call.