What is accreditation, and is accreditation required for DMEPOS suppliers?


Answer:
Accreditation is the process by which an organization is authorized and credentialed. As of October 1, 2009, all DMEPOS suppliers, unless otherwise exempted by supplier type (see below) are required to attain accreditation through a CMS authorized accrediting organization. This is to ensure the quality standards are met and the supplier is maintaining high levels of excellence in service and supplies.

For further information or how to become accredited, contact one of the following CMS approved accrediting organizations (AO):

  • TJC- The Joint Commission
  • CHAP-Community Health Accreditation Program
  • HQAA- Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation 
  • BOC - Board of Certification/Accreditation 
  • ACHC- Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc.
  • NABP- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
  • ABC- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
  • TCT- The Compliance Team, Inc.

Suppliers exempt from accreditation are:

  • Suppliers providing drugs and pharmaceuticals only
  • Physicians, including dentists
  • Audiologists
  • Optometrists
  • Orthotists
  • Prosthetists, including ocularists
  • Opticians
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists

Note: Exempt suppliers are reminded accreditation exemptions only extend to the normal scope of services for the supplier specialty. Any products or services provided outside the normal range of services will require accreditation to obtain/maintain Medicare billing privileges


Last Updated: 12/19/2024