What Is Medicare Accreditation?

Medicare accreditation is the process of having an independent review of a business's performance against national quality and safety requirements. Accreditation was voluntary until 2003, when the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) made it mandatory for businesses offering equipment or services to Medicare providers.

Deadline

• The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 required all DMEPOS (durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies) providers to be accredited by September 30, 2009. Businesses that provide these items must comply with policy standards in order to receive compensation under Medicare Part B.

Covered Items

• Supplies such as home dialysis equipment, therapeutic shoes, prosthetic devices and orthotics, transfusion medicines, and various types of nutrient equipment and supplies are covered under MMA. All providers need to comply with business-service requirements as well as product-specific requirements.

Accreditation Organizations

• CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) recognized 10 companies that may provide accreditation services to providers: Accreditation Commission for Health Care Inc., American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc., Board of Certification/Accreditation International, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, Community Health Accreditation Program, Health Care Quality Association on Accreditation, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, The Compliance Team Inc., The Joint Commission and The National Board of Accreditation for Orthotic Suppliers.