Deadline Extended for CMS Small Supplier Focus Groups at Medtrade

LAS VEGAS–CMS wants to hear from small HME
providers–specifically, their thoughts and concerns regarding
Medicare’s coming DME competitive bidding program.

Research Triangle Institute, a research firm contracted by CMS
to advise the agency on implementation of the bidding program, will
conduct four 90-minute focus groups with small DMEPOS suppliers in
Las Vegas during Medtrade Spring. Per the announcement below, the
registration deadline to sign up for the focus groups has been
extended until March 30:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would
like to inform you of a unique opportunity available to small
DMEPOS suppliers attending the Spring Medtrade Conference. CMS has
contracted with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), a non-profit
research firm, to conduct four 90-minute focus groups during April
5-7, 2005, at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. The purpose of the
focus groups is to facilitate CMS’ understanding of the impact of
quality standards, financial standards, accreditation, and the
competitive bidding and selection process on small DMEPOS
suppliers yielding an annual gross revenue of up to $3 million
and/or employing less than or equal to 10 Full Time Equivalents
(FTEs). The registration deadline has been extended until March
30th.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from the very small
DMEPOS suppliers to assist CMS in considering alternatives for the
protection of small DMEPOS suppliers,” said a CMS statement. “We
welcome participation of both accredited and non-accredited
suppliers to gain an understanding of the impact to small
suppliers. By participating in one of the focus groups, you would
have the opportunity to express your thoughts and opinions to CMS
regarding the above-mentioned key issues, as well as increase the
visibility and collective voice of small DMEPOS suppliers.”

Under the Medicare Modernization Act, DME competitive bidding
will begin in 10 top metro areas in 2007, then expand to 80
areas–and perhaps nationwide–in 2009. The law also stipulates
that the government take “appropriate steps” to ensure small
providers can participate.

The focus groups will be held in the Riviera Hotel and Casino,
and are tentatively scheduled for:

• Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 6, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m – 5
  p.m.
• Thursday, April 7, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The registration deadline to sign up for the focus groups has
been extended to March 30. For more information, visit the notice
posted on the CMS Web site, available by clicking
here.

Small providers not attending the focus groups may also send
comments by e-mailing RTI at [email protected].

Editor’s Note: If you are a small provider and will be
attending Medtrade Spring, take 90 minutes out of your Las Vegas
trip and spend it on your future. Sign up for one of these focus
groups, and let CMS hear from you directly, in person, about your
feelings on DME competitive bidding. Click the link above to go
directly to the registration site.