
How to Become a DME Supplier: The Basic Process.
- Apply for a National Provider Identification (NPI) number. First, you’ll need to ensure that your practice has a valid NPI number to identify your ...
- Verify your compliance with CMS quality standards.
- Apply for accreditation through an approved DME accreditation organization.
- Purchase a DMEPOS surety bond and enroll for Medicare billing privileges through CMS.
Full Answer
How do I become a Medicare DME provider?
3 Steps to Becoming DME Supplier for Medicare
- Acquire a National Providers Identification (NPI) Number If you don’t have one already, you won’t meet the DME license requirements. ...
- Complete Your Medicare Enrollment Application You will need to complete the enrollment application using the PECOS’s online system through their website here.
- Work with Your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)
Are all DMEPOS suppliers required to be accredited?
DMEPOS suppliers must notify their AO when a new DMEPOS location opens. All DMEPOS supplier locations, whether owned or subcontracted, must meet DMEPOS quality standards and get separately accredited to bill Medicare.
How to become a preferred supplier?
You know your organization could benefit from a preferred supplier program if:
- Negotiations and contracting happen in silos across the organization.
- Buyers purchase products and services from the same supplier at different prices.
- Sourcing, contracting and on-boarding are not streamlined processes.
- Employees are not incentivized or encouraged to use existing suppliers.
Is a DME company profitable?
Well-run DME companies will often have net profit margins in the 7 to 12 percent range. Favorable local demographics. DME companies located in regions with a growing population, aging population or emerging middle class provide for favorable revenue growth. Recent billing/compliance audit.

How do I set up a DME?
Begin setting up your DME business by decorating your store location or securing a website domain name and creating your website. Apply for an employer identification number with the IRS and apply for a merchant account with a credit card processing company if you intend to accept credit cards as a form of payment.
How do you get a Medicare product approved?
How to buy equipmentGo to an in-person doctor visit, where your doctor will write an order for the DME.Take the order to a Medicare-approved DME supplier.Depending on the product, ask the supplier if they will deliver it to your home.Find out if Medicare requires prior authorization for your DME.
What is the difference between a Medicare provider and supplier?
Supplier is defined in 42 CFR 400.202 and means a physician or other practitioner, or an entity other than a provider that furnishes health care services under Medicare.
What is a Medicare Dmepos supplier?
DMEPOS supplier means an entity or individual, including a physician or a Part A provider, which sells or rents Part B covered items to Medicare beneficiaries and which meets the standards in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
How long does it take to get a Medicare provider number?
Most Medicare provider number applications are taking up to 12 calendar days to process from the date we get your application. Some applications may take longer if they need to be assessed by the Department of Health.
What is DME accreditation?
Durable Medical Equipment accreditation is available to DME suppliers that provide sleep-related DME to patients. This includes both free-standing suppliers and sleep facilities that provide DME equipment to their patients. Complete your DME application now or contact us for more information.
What does Pecos certification mean?
PECOS stands for Provider, Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System. It is the online Medicare enrollment management system that allows individuals and entities to enroll as Medicare providers or suppliers.
What is a Part B supplier?
Participating supplier means a supplier that has an agreement with CMS to participate in Part B of Medicare in effect on the date of the service. Payment on an assignment-related basis means payment for Part B services -
What is a Pecos authorized official?
An Authorized Official (AO) is a staff user for an employer organization who has been vetted and approved by either EUS or PECOS, and who has the legal authority to sign for and speak on behalf of that organization. AOs have access to all business functions for the employer organizations they represent.
Can you dropship medical supplies?
You can consider dropshipping items like feeding tubes or exam gloves to medical professionals. Besides, you can also sell home health supplies, such as medical beds, canes, or home diagnostic kits. As you can see, the medical supplies niche is so widespread. It has a consistent, growing demand in the market.
Is Amazon a Medicare supplier?
En español | Already a household name in almost everything from books to electronics to household items, Amazon is now a major health care player with its new digital pharmacy that offers free home delivery and other perks to some customers with Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans and most major commercial health ...
What are the Medicare Supplier Standards?
A supplier must accept returns of substandard (less than full quality for the particular item) or unsuitable items (inappropriate for the beneficiary at the time it was fitted and rented or sold) from beneficiaries. 16. A supplier must disclose these standards to each beneficiary it supplies a Medicare-covered item.
How to become a Medicare provider?
Become a Medicare Provider or Supplier 1 You’re a DMEPOS supplier. DMEPOS suppliers should follow the instructions on the Enroll as a DMEPOS Supplier page. 2 You’re an institutional provider. If you’re enrolling a hospital, critical care facility, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, hospice, or other similar institution, you should use the Medicare Enrollment Guide for Institutional Providers.
How to get an NPI?
If you already have an NPI, skip this step and proceed to Step 2. NPIs are issued through the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). You can apply for an NPI on the NPPES website.
How long does it take to change your Medicare billing?
To avoid having your Medicare billing privileges revoked, be sure to report the following changes within 30 days: a change in ownership. an adverse legal action. a change in practice location. You must report all other changes within 90 days. If you applied online, you can keep your information up to date in PECOS.
Do you need to be accredited to participate in CMS surveys?
ii If your institution has obtained accreditation from a CMS-approved accreditation organization, you will not need to participate in State Survey Agency surveys. You must inform the State Survey Agency that your institution is accredited. Accreditation is voluntary; CMS doesn’t require it for Medicare enrollment.
Can you bill Medicare for your services?
You’re a health care provider who wants to bill Medicare for your services and also have the ability to order and certify. You don’t want to bill Medicare for your services, but you do want enroll in Medicare solely to order and certify.
What is DMEPOS in Medicare?
Suppliers who receive Medicare reimbursement for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) are required to: If your business doesn’t dispense or furnish DMEPOS, you should use the Medicare Enrollment Guide for Providers & Suppliers.
What to do if your business doesn't dispense DMEPOS?
If your business doesn’t dispense or furnish DMEPOS, you should use the Medicare Enrollment Guide for Providers & Suppliers. If you’re enrolling a hospital, critical care facility, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, hospice, or other similar institution, you should refer to the Medicare Enrollment Guide for Institutional Providers.
How long does it take to change your Medicare billing information?
It’s important to keep your enrollment information up to date. To avoid having your Medicare billing privileges revoked, be sure to report any change within 30 days. Changes include, but are not limited to: a change in ownership. an adverse legal action. a change in practice location.
How to get a DME license?
1. Acquire a National Providers Identification (NPI) Number. If you don’t have one already, you won’t meet the DME license requirements. NPI’s are issued through the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System. You can apply on their website here. 2. Complete Your Medicare Enrollment Application.
Can you become a DME without a license?
Following the proper guidelines to become a DME or DMEPOS supplier for Medicare is essential for your success. Any company that provides DME without a license could face civil and criminal penalties. Contact CMS with any questions or concerns you may have or visit their website for information about the DME supplier process here.
How to become a DME supplier for Medicare?
Obtaining an approval during the accreditation process is the key answer to the question on becoming a DME supplier for Medicare. To be approved, you first have to select from one of the approved accreditation companies and get acquainted with their rules and regulations.
What is a DME supplier?
Are primarily used to serve a medical purpose. Are ordered or prescribed by a physician. Are reusable. Can be used repeatedly. Are able to be used inside a home. To help you learn how to become a DME supplier for Medicare, weve prepared this step-by-step guide below to help you learn the basics.
What is DME in medical?
0. 3710. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to those in need because of certain illnesses and/or medical conditions. Those providing Durable Medical Equipment or Home Medical Equipment depends on the type of equipment as well as the jurisdiction.
How many digits are in a NPI?
The NPI is a 10-digit number that will be used as your identification in the system for all administrative and billing transactions. In order to register, youll need to go through the process with the National Plan and Provider Enumeration Systems (NPPES).
Does Medicare cover blood sugar monitors?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover most of the medically required durable medical equipment (DME)to use in your home if prescribed by your doctor. Medicare DME coverage includes, but isn’t limited to: Blood sugar test strips. Blood sugar monitors. Canes.
Who are DME providers?
DME providers include home health agencies, DME companies, practitioners, and physicians.
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs?
Wheelchairs & scooters. Medicare will also cover certain prescriptions and supplies that you use with your DME, even if they can only be used once. For example, Medicare covers medications that are used with nebulizers as well as test trips used with diabetes self-testing equipment.
What is a DME supplier?
A DME supplier is any business that sells or rents certain types of medical equipment intended for the management of chronic conditions. These types of medical equipment include, but are not limited to: Prosthetics and orthotics. Blood sugar meters and test strips. Dialysis supplies.
Why is DME important?
What’s more, the DME market is essential to serving the medical needs of many different people, including seniors and people with disabilities, which makes it a key component of the standard of care for medical practices that serve these populations. The ability to bill Medicare is a vitally important component of most DME suppliers’ businesses ...
What percentage of Medicare payment does a supplier pay for assignment?
If your supplier accepts Assignment you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B Deductible applies. Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment:
What is Medicare approved amount?
Medicare-Approved Amount. In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference. , and the Part B.
What is Medicare assignment?
assignment. An agreement by your doctor, provider, or supplier to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service, and not to bill you for any more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance. you pay 20% of the. Medicare-Approved Amount.
Does Medicare cover DME equipment?
You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment. Medicare will only cover your DME if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare.
What is the Medicare enrollment form for DMEPOS?
DMEPOS suppliers must enroll in the Medicare program using the Medicare enrollment application (Form CMS-855S) in order to be eligible to receive Medicare payment for covered services provided to Medicarebeneficiaries.
What is NPI in DMEPOS?
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) will replace health care provider identifiers in use today in standard health care transactions. DMEPOS suppliers must obtain their NPI prior to enrolling in the Medicare program. Enrolling in Medicare authorizes you to bill and be paid for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
When will Medicare change the KU modifier?
As aforementioned, these system changes will be implemented on July 1, 2020.
When will CMS reprocess claims?
Claims for these accessories submitted prior to July 1, 2020, with dates of service from January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, will need to be reprocessed to ensure that CMS pays the unadjusted fee schedule amounts, as required by section 106 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020.
What is gap filling in Medicare?
For newly covered items of DMEPOS paid on a fee schedule basis where a Medicare fee does not exist , the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a process to establish fees called gap-filling. This allows Medicare to establish a price that aligns with the statutory requirements for the DMEPOS fee schedule.
What is a DMEPOS file?
The DMEPOS public use file contains fee schedules for certain items that were adjusted based on information from the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program in accordance with Section 1834 (a) (1) (F) of the Act.
Does Medicare cover CGMs?
Based on input from patients and other stakeholders, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing important changes in its written policies regarding how Medicare covers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These changes are consistent with the Agency’s approach of putting patients first and incentivizing innovation and use of e-technology.
