4-04-07
AOTA Advocacy Success: CMS Exempts OTs in Private Practice from Competitive Bidding Requirement
In its final rule on DMEPOS competitive bidding, published in the Federal Register April 5, 2007, CMS specifically exempted occupational therapists in private practice (OTPPs) from participating in the competitive bidding process to allow OTPPs to continue to furnish certain types of competitively bid items (namely, off-the-shelf orthotics such as splints) to their own patients when these items are furnished as part of their professional services under a plan of care. AOTA is pleased to announce this win after advocating rigorously to CMS over the past 3 years for OT exemption from competitive bidding.
All Suppliers Must Obtain Accreditation
CMS continues to require that all DMEPOS suppliers, including occupational therapists who supply DMEPOS, must obtain accreditation from a CMS-approved accreditation organization. The accreditation organizations are responsible for applying quality standards to all DMEPOS suppliers. Failure to meet the standards can result in the revocation or suspension of billing privileges.
AOTA will be holding a workshop on DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements at Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO, on Saturday April 21, 2007. CMS recently published a MLN Matters article to educate providers.
AOTA is still interpreting this lengthy rule and will publish an analysis shortly. We are reviewing the rule to determine if CMS has clarified the impact of competitive bidding on skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and other Part A settings in which OTs work.
Additional Resources
CMS Competitive Bidding Final Rule
CMS Press release and Fact Sheet (See "Related Links Inside CMS")
