In its final rule on competitive bidding, CMS made a number of changes from its draft proposal. Some of these changes are welcome and offer further insight

With plans shattered by surprise provisions regarding networks that appeared in the DMEPOS competitive bidding final rule, network members and facilitators

Now that the competitive bidding final rule is out, providers located in the 10 metropolitan statistical areas where bidding will begin are forced to

A bid you can live with means that it will be competitive and profitable. A noncompetitive but profitable bid doesn't win a contract. A competitive but

Frankly, it doesn't seem like the best time in the world to open up a home medical equipment company. Reimbursement is down and dwindling. Legislative

For continuing coverage of CMS' competitive bidding program as it moves forward, check weekly issues of HomeCare Monday, and visit the newsletter archives

The following Web links may be helpful in your study of Medicare's DMEPOS competitive bidding program. CMS overview of competitive bidding:www.cms.hhs.gov/competitiveacqforDMEPOS/01_overview.asp

According to a timeline on the CBIC Web site, as of press time CMS planned to open its 60-day bid wndow at the end of April. Date Milestone 12/8/2003

Accreditation Commission for Healthcare American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification Commission

Under CMS criteria, in order to be eligible to participate in competitive bidding, an HME provider must: Be in good standing with the Medicare program