CBIC Posts Subcontracting FAQ

COLUMBIA, S.C. — CMS’ Competitive Bidding Implementation
Contractor has posted a new FAQ detailing subcontractor guidelines
under Medicare’s DMEPOS
competitive bidding program.

According to the five-question list: “The primary supplier is
responsible for ensuring that its subcontractors perform in
compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and
policies.”

Subcontractors can purchase inventory, deliver and instruct on
the use of a Medicare-covered item and perform maintenance and
repair of rented items, CMS said. “Services such as intake and
assessment, coordination of care with the physician, submitting
claims on behalf of the beneficiary, ownership and responsibility
for equipment furnished to the beneficiary, ensuring product
safety, etc., are all services for which the primary supplier is
responsible,” the document notes.

The guidelines also give information on whether manufacturers
must be accredited to perform warranty repairs and on rules
regarding referrals from subcontractors.

The American Association for Homecare reported it is reviewing
the guidelines and will ask for further clarification from CMS on
certain rules outlined in the FAQs.

View the posting on the CBIC Web site.