Links

Articles Written by Vianna Zimbel

Respiratory Readiness: The ABCs of the Alphabet Soup   November 2006 The DOT, FDA, OSHA, and your accreditation organization are watching how you conduct your oxygen business, so start with the basics, then address the details.

Medicare Ticket or Business Booster? | June 2007If you view accreditation as simply a Medicare ticket, choose your accreditation organization accordingly.

Just Following Orders? | February 2005 Oxygen providers who want smooth billing and accreditation must properly review and prepare all physician orders.

Unannounced Visits: Are You Ready? | December 2007Accreditation is casting a wider net than ever that includes mail-order supplies, retail goods, and rentals.
It's on the Horizon | August 2007All Medicare suppliers will have to eventually be accredited, and CMS will do its own validation surveys to check up on the accreditation organizations

Accreditation Organizations

In order to participate in the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program, CMS is requiring that suppliers meet quality standards and be accredited by a CMS-approved Deemed Accreditation Organization.  Suppliers must be accredited or be pending accreditation by May 15, 2008 to submit a bid in the second round.   Any bidding supplier must be formally accredited by October 31, 2008. If you intend to submit a bid and have not yet begun the accreditation process, you should do so now.

The deadline by which all DMEPOS suppliers who have a current Medicare Provider number will need to be accredited is September 30, 2009.

ACHC- the Accreditation Commission for HealthCare

JCAHO- the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations 
    • frequently asked questions

CHAP Community Health Accreditation Program

HQAA – Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation

BOC- Board for Orthotist Prosthetist Certification (Facility accreditation)

NABP- National Association of Board of Pharmacy

The Compliance Team, Inc.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. – ABC

The National Board of Accreditation for Orthotic Suppliers – NBAOS

Medicare

CMS DME Center - all things Medicare & DME

Download Quality Standards- These are the basis of Accreditation Organization standards as dictated by Medicare

CMS Competitive Bidding- This website is the contractor that is coordinating & implementing competitive bidding

First round Bid Application Webcast and Transcript ( CBIC/Suppliers/Educational Tools ) - a good insight to what the next round will probably have to deal with

AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines - compliance to these respiratory clinical practice guidelines are referenced in CMS Quality Standards

Frequently asked questions regarding diabetic supplies & accreditation - helpful information on this topic

NHIC, Jurisdication A Supplier Manual

AdminaStar Federal -- Jurisdiction B DME MAC Supplier Manual

Jurisdiction C Supplier Manual

Noridian- Jurisdiction D Supplier Manual

National Supplier Clearinghouse- Palmetto

Medicare Medical Policies, by product - Tricenturion

Claim Adjustment Reason Codes

Proper billing of Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment claims. Medicare's traiing program that reviews current Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment coverage criteria, documentation requirements, coding information and the changes regarding oxygen and oxygen equipment billing and payment rules.

Proper billing of Glucose monitors and supply coverage and payment rules, coding and modifier use, documentation requirements, billing tips and reminders, and updates

Proper billing of Hospital Beds Medicare's training program detailing coverage criteria, documentation requirements and coding information. Information on billing for upgraded equipment.

Proper billing of Surgical Dressings Medicare's training program detailing coverage criteria, documentation requirements, and coding/modifier use. In addition, useful information addressing recent pre-pay audit findings and what type of documentation should be obtained in order to avoid denials..

FDA medical gases
Forms for Registration for business (2656) and products (2657)

FDA Guidance for transfilling medical gases

Regulations for storage of oxygen

National Fire Protection Agency

Online Access to NFPA 55: Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks, 2005 Edition (after linking to page, click on 'agree' to see actual document)

Department Of Transporatation - if your company transports more than 1,001 lbs of oxygen

Commercial Drivers License Program
Hazardous Materials Information resource

State Regulatory Requirements & Information

State epidemiology sites for reviewing infectious outbreaks in your geographic area

Database Information on each state’s licensure / certification requirements

States with O&P licensure

All US state's Respiratory License links- Use this website to verify practioner verification, and to review specific state rules (Practice Acts)

HIPAA

HIPAA Frequently asked questions resource

OSHA
Bloodborne pathogens rule

Fire Safety - Fire Extinguisher Training Program

Tuberculosis & home care - opinion letter from OSHA stating TB rules not meant for homecare

Center for Disease Control

Infection Control Information

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Hand Hygiene Interactive training course

Prescriptions

Federal rule on prescription requirements -

National Sex Offenders Website - to check status of employees as required by ACHC and others