While many providers located in the first 10 MSAs are scrambling to meet the CMS deadline for accreditation of August of this year, many providers are still sitting on the fence and waiting to determine if they will seek accreditation.
But there are benefits to becoming accredited beyond billing Medicare. Most industry experts recommend that providers create a business model that embraces diversification, a combination of retail, insurance and Medicare sales. And in a time when providers should be running a tight and efficient business, the accreditation process can do just that — putting providers on the right course.
There are four general steps HME providers will have to take to complete the accreditation process:
1. Choose an accrediting agency and buy its manual.
2. Spend time (most likely months) reviewing the manual and making sure all policies and procedures are up to speed.
3. Submit documentation to the accrediting body.
4. Wait for an on-site survey.
There’s one catch. The surveys conducted by the accrediting agencies have to be unannounced. Providers will have a year to complete the accreditation process once it begins. While some providers have already started to prepare, others are taking a wait-and-see approach that may result in a backlog when the deadline is finally issued.
The Good News: While accreditation spells more work and more expense for HMEs, the news isn’t all bad. There are many benefits to accreditation including:
Pre-Survey Checklist
Providers can begin preparing by reviewing the following checklist. Provided to Home Health Products by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), it can be used as a guideline to know what accrediting agencies will be looking for when they conduct their surveys. Use this list to prepare for mandatory national accreditation. According to Tom Cesar, president of ACHC, this checklist will also help HMEs determine if your organization is in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations and best business practices.
There is a recall file/log/notebook in which all recall notices are maintained. All recalls are completed per manufacture guidelines with documentation of the resolution.
MSDS files are available with a sheet for all hazardous materials carried in the delivery vehicles.
The Location staff is in compliance with all reporting requirements as required/requested by the QI Coordinator.
(Reprinted with permission from ACHC.)
Accrediting Bodies
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc.
330 John Caryle St., Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-7114
www.abcop.org
Board of Certification in Pedorthics
330 John Caryle St., Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-7114
www.abcop.org
Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification
7150 Columbia Gateway Dr, Suite G Columbia, MD 21045-1151
(443) 539-3810
(877)776-2200
www.bocusa.org/
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
4891 E. Grant Road
Tuscon, AZ 85712
(888) 281-6531
www.carf.org/
Community Health Accreditation Program
1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 150
Washington, D.C. 20036
(800) 656-6956
www.chapinc.org
The Compliance Team Inc.
P.O. Box 160
905 Sheble Lane, Suite 102
Spring House, PA 19477
(215) 654-9110
www.exemplaryprovider.com
Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation
217 West Fourth St.
Waterloo, IA 50701
(866) 909-4722
www.hqaa.org
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Blvd.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 792-5000
www.jcaho.org
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 391-4406
www.nabp.net
National Board of Accreditation for Orthotic Suppliers
NBAOS c/o SmithBucklin
401 N. Chicago Avenue, 22nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
(888) 463-4011
www.nbaos.org