Target deadline today for backup authorized officials to register for competitive bidding

Today is the target deadline for backup authorized officials (BAOs) to register for Round 2 and national mail-order competitions of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program. Medicare “strongly advises” that BAOs register by today.

CMS encourages the establishment of a BAO to help the authorized official (AO) with the bidding process once the 60-day bid window opens. Also, a BAO can assume the AO role if for some reason the AO can no longer fulfill his or her bidding responsibilities. If there is no BAO and the AO leaves the company, all end users associated with the company will lose access to the bidding system, CMS warns.

For information, go to the “Individuals Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services (IACS) Reference Guide” posted on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website. To register, visit the CBIC website and click on “REGISTRATION IS OPEN” above the Registration Clock on the homepage.

The target deadline has now passed for AO registration. After target deadlines, Medicare cannot guarantee that an AO or BAO will be able to complete registration before the registration window closes on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m. ET.