CMS Survey Results by VGM Group

WATERLOO, Iowa (March 31, 2014)—In response to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) request for public comment regarding the expansion for the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, VGM Group, Inc., asked medical equipment providers to fill out an online survey. To simplify the process of submitting public comment, the online survey developed by VGM asks the six questions that mirror those asked by CMS about the expansion of the competitive bidding program. From Feb. 27 to March 21, 2014, VGM received 854 surveys via vgm.com. Of the 854, 493 included specific comments addressing at least one of the six issues requested of CMS for response. Overall, the comments were generally as VGM expected. The consensus suggested the competitive bidding program and current pricing structure is harmful to patients, their caregivers, referral sources and HME businesses. “We were pleased to receive details from the survey respondents that helped to better identify the diversity of issues experienced by providers who are being subjected to one-size-fits-all policies,” notes the VGM survey synopsis. The surveys were delivered to CMS by courier to meet the March 28th deadline. Click here to view the survey results.