Home Health & Hospice Week

Tip: Allow six months from application to accreditation.

Suppliers seeking accreditation to stay in the Medicare game should be their own advocate in the process. That's the word from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in a Jan. 22 conference call on the topic.

"If you've applied and a significant amount of time has passed and you haven't heard back, get on the phone," coached CMS' Sandra Bastinelli, who led the call.

These two mistakes are the ones most likely to trip you up ...quot; putting your ability to serve Medicare beneficiaries at risk:

1. You've submitted your application, but it is incomplete. Incomplete applications were the number one reason suppliers faced delays in the accreditation process last year, she said. Suppliers should stay in close touch with the technical or regional representative overseeing their application, she advised.

Also don't assume that once your paid application is in the pipeline, you can rest easy. "The check does not mean anything," said Bastinelli during the conference call. "I cannot say that loudly enough. [The accreditation process] is about quality."

2. You turn away the surveyor that shows up at your door. CMS reports that some home medical equipment suppliers are refusing their initial unannounced survey.

"Assume that once your complete application is in, you can have a survey at any time," stressed Bastinelli. "Be sure your shop is in tip top shape so you are ready."

Guideline: On average, the accreditation process will take from four to six months, says Bastinelli.