BALTIMORE--Despite protests that may delay the implementation of new DME Medicare Administrative Contractors in two jurisdictions, all four contractors are preparing to start their outreach to providers, a CMS official announced last week.

On July 1, CMS is scheduled to transition from Durable Medical Equipment Regional Contractors (DMERCs) to Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), which will handle billing, customer service and other day-to-day operations. After CMS named the new contractors early this year (see HomeCare Monday, Jan. 9), protests were filed with the GAO for the contracts awarded to Palmetto in Region C and Noridian in Region D.

The GAO now has until May to make a decision, CMS' Sue Lathroum announced at Tuesday's Home Health, Hospice and DME Open Door Forum. "Our desire is to proceed and prepare for implementation," she said.

Separate Program Safeguard Contractors (PSCs) for each region, which assumed duties last week, are handling benefit integrity, medical review and medical policy. (See HomeCare Monday, Dec. 12.)

Lathroum also said that CMS plans to hold future meetings on the transition from DMERCs to MACs; however, they will not be open to the public. "If we get hundreds of requests coming in from hundreds of suppliers, it's going to be difficult to handle them," she explained.

CMS sponsored an invitation-only meeting Feb. 22, including representatives from DMEPOS supplier trade associations, which allowed participants to pose questions and concerns on the transition. Lathroum said those interested in participating in future meetings should contact her at sue.lathroum@cms.hhs.gov.

Also at Tuesday's forum, a CMS official announced that the proposed rule on national competitive bidding is still in clearance. Questions or comments should be addressed to Michael Keane at michael.keane@cms.hhs.gov.

The next Home Health, Hospice and DME Open Door Forum is scheduled for April 12.

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