POWER WHEELCHAIR MAKER URGES CMS TO ESTABLISH QUALITY STANDARDS FOR DMEPOS

A maker of power wheelchairs is "disappointed" in the lack of specifics provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on quality standards for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS).

The CMS has not finalized quality standards, named accrediting bodies or set an implementation timeline in its final rule on accreditation standards, Mike Pfister, president of the Scooter Store, said Aug. 4. "We do not understand CMS' hesitation in swiftly moving forward with mandating specific accrediting bodies, standards and implementation deadlines."

The CMS April 24 announced its competitive acquisition proposal for some DMEPOS. The proposal it intended to reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket expenses and save Medicare money while ensuring access to quality DMEPOS and related services, the CMS said.