DMEPOS Enrollment Changes

On March 25, 2011, CMS implemented some, not all, changes to enrollment as a DMEPOS supplier as required by CMS-6028-FC. As previously reported, optical dispensaries enrolling as new suppliers of post-cataract eyeglasses, as well as those revalidating enrollment information, will be required to adhere to a series of new provisions.

One new provision requires that newly-enrolling and existing providers be categorized in one of three risk levels (low, moderate, or high). Existing optical suppliers will be considered at moderate risk; newly-enrolling suppliers will be placed in the high risk category. According to the new provisions, suppliers considered high risk will be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. However, according to the MedLearn Matters (MLM) MM7350 published March 23, 2011, the fingerprinting and criminal background check requirements will be implemented at a later date and are not in effect at this time.

The MLM indicates that applications received on or after March 25, 2011 are subject to the $505 fee. The fee must be paid electronically through Pay.gov. Suppliers already enrolled and not adding a new location or revalidating enrollment information are not required to do or pay anything at this time.

For additional information visit the CMS website at: http://www.cms.gov/MLNMattersArticles/Downloads/MM7350.pdf