| 
|
VGN Update - 3/28/05 |
Mar 29 2005 10:24AM |
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
@ http://www.cms.hhs.gov/suppliers/dmepos/dme_focus_notice.pdf
John E. Gallagher, Vice President of Government Relations 800.642.6065 ext. 6503
March 28, 2005
|
|
|
|
