LAS VEGAS--CMS wants to hear from small HME providers--specifically, their thoughts and concerns regarding Medicare's coming DME competitive bidding program.

Research Triangle Institute, a research firm contracted by CMS to advise the agency on implementation of the bidding program, will conduct four 90-minute focus groups with small DMEPOS suppliers in Las Vegas during Medtrade Spring. Per the announcement below, the registration deadline to sign up for the focus groups has been extended until March 30:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would like to inform you of a unique opportunity available to small DMEPOS suppliers attending the Spring Medtrade Conference. CMS has contracted with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), a non-profit research firm, to conduct four 90-minute focus groups during April 5-7, 2005, at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. The purpose of the focus groups is to facilitate CMS' understanding of the impact of quality standards, financial standards, accreditation, and the competitive bidding and selection process on small DMEPOS suppliers yielding an annual gross revenue of up to $3 million and/or employing less than or equal to 10 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs). The registration deadline has been extended until March 30th.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from the very small DMEPOS suppliers to assist CMS in considering alternatives for the protection of small DMEPOS suppliers," said a CMS statement. "We welcome participation of both accredited and non-accredited suppliers to gain an understanding of the impact to small suppliers. By participating in one of the focus groups, you would have the opportunity to express your thoughts and opinions to CMS regarding the above-mentioned key issues, as well as increase the visibility and collective voice of small DMEPOS suppliers."

Under the Medicare Modernization Act, DME competitive bidding will begin in 10 top metro areas in 2007, then expand to 80 areas--and perhaps nationwide--in 2009. The law also stipulates that the government take "appropriate steps" to ensure small providers can participate.

The focus groups will be held in the Riviera Hotel and Casino, and are tentatively scheduled for:

• Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 6, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m - 5 p.m.
• Thursday, April 7, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The registration deadline to sign up for the focus groups has been extended to March 30. For more information, visit the notice posted on the CMS Web site, available by clicking here.

Small providers not attending the focus groups may also send comments by e-mailing RTI at ssfocusgroups@rti.org.

Editor's Note: If you are a small provider and will be attending Medtrade Spring, take 90 minutes out of your Las Vegas trip and spend it on your future. Sign up for one of these focus groups, and let CMS hear from you directly, in person, about your feelings on DME competitive bidding. Click the link above to go directly to the registration site.