Post

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, CMS released Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief related to COV-19. We've highlighted the FAQs specific to DMEPOS Suppliers below. To view the complete list of FAQs, click here.

How is CMS using its authority under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act to offer flexibilities with Medicare provider enrollment to support the 2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) national emergency for DMEPOS Suppliers?

• Expedite any pending or new applications
  • All clean web applications will be processed within 7 business days and all clean paper applications in 14 business days
• Waive the following screening requirements for all enrollment applications received on or after March 1, 2020:
  • Application Fee – 42 C.F.R. 424.514
  • Criminal background checks associated with the FCBC – 42 C.F.R. 424.518 (to the extent applicable)
  • Site-visits – 42 C.F.R. 424.517 o Postpone all revalidation actions

I am not a physician or non-physician practitioner. Can I use the enrollment hotline to submit my initial enrollment or change of information?

All other providers and suppliers, including DMEPOS suppliers are required to submit initial enrollments and changes of information via the appropriate CMS-855 application. Your MAC will expedite their processing of these applications if received on or after March 1, 2020. Specifically, all clean web applications received on or after March 18, 2020, will be processed within 7 business days, and all clean paper applications received on or after March 18, 2020, will be processed in 14 business days. CMS encourages providers to submit their applications via Internet-Based PECOS (https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/pecos/login.do).

CMS is waiving the following screening requirements for all enrollment applications received on or after March 1, 2020:

• Application Fee – 42 C.F.R. 424.514
• Criminal background checks associated with the FCBC – 42 C.F.R. 424.518 (to the extent applicable)
• Site-visits – 42 C.F.R. 424.517

I am due to revalidate. Will my due date be extended?

CMS is temporarily ceasing revalidation efforts for all Medicare providers or suppliers. Upon the lifting of the public health emergency, CMS will resume revalidation activities.

Will the Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) accreditation and reaccreditation requirements be waived?

CMS is currently postponing the DME accreditation and reaccreditation timetables and deadlines under the 1135 waiver authority. The DME supplier should still comply with accreditation requirements; however, formal accreditation from an accrediting organization will be postponed. CMS will monitor all billing activity during the emergency and continue to reassess this requirement. Aberrant billing practices may be subject to further action.

I have an application pending with the MAC that was submitted prior to March 1, 2020. When will it be approved?

Pending applications for all providers and suppliers received prior to March 1, 2020 are being processed in accordance with existing processing timeframes. Generally, web applications are processed within 45 days and paper applications within 60 days.