Deadlines, Schmedlines!

In each of the past few months, we have received new deadlines and updates from CMS about accreditation and competitive bidding. Now that we have the required dates and information, it's time to get out our pencil and paper, write down some numbers and do a little long division.

But first, the latest updates.

We recently learned that providers who wish to bid in round two of competitive bidding must be accredited by Oct. 31, 2008. The agency also informed providers that they must have applied for accreditation by May 14.

It's important to note that each of CMS' 10 deemed accreditation organizations has its own process, and application is not the same with each.

With some accreditors, such as the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation, you actually apply, get placed into your “workroom” and start to work through the standards. You complete the process at your own pace and are scheduled for your unannounced survey when you have completed your submissions.

For others, such as the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, you can send for their standards and begin the process at any time. You actually “apply” closer to the time that you are ready for survey.

For example, a provider could have sent for ACHC's standards in November and then “apply” to be accredited next fall. But remember that just because you have sent for the standards doesn't necessarily mean ACHC knows you want to participate in round two. You'll need to check in before May 14 if you plan to bid so that you will be aware of any requirements or guidelines the organization may want to provide.

For still other accreditors, their standards are free to download, and you apply when you are ready to be accredited. With those programs, if you apply on May 14, you need to be ready for survey on May 14. Again, if you are bidding in round two, you should be in touch with your accreditor so the organization can advise you on meeting the round two deadlines.

And now the numbers.

Earlier this year, CMS estimated that about 20 percent of DMEPOS suppliers had become accredited. We knew at the start there were somewhere between 115,000 and 135,000 supplier numbers. Just to make the math easy, let's say there were 120,000 suppliers. If 20 percent have become accredited, that would be about 24,000. Again, for easier math, let's call it 20,000.