Written Clarification on
Medicare for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA)
MIPPA section 154(b) added a new subparagraph (F) to section 1834(a)(20) of the Social Security Act. This subparagraph states that eligible professionals and other persons are exempt from meeting the September 30, 2009 accreditation deadline that generally applies to other DMEPOS suppliers unless the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines that the quality standards are specifically designed to apply to such professionals and persons.
The eligible professionals to whom this exemption applies are set out at sections 1848(k)(3)(B) and 1861(r) of the Act, and include Physicians, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Qualified Speech-Language Pathologists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners.
Additionally, section 154(b) of MIPPA allows the Secretary to specify "other persons" that, like the eligible professionals described above, are exempt from meeting the accreditation requirements unless CMS determines that the quality standards are specifically designed to apply to such other persons. At this time, we are defining "such other persons" as Orthotists, Prosthetists, Opticians, and Audiologists.
CMS will define how the quality standards apply to these eligible professionals and other persons by rulemaking in 2009.
Individuals not included in this exemption list, such as pedorthotists, mastectomy fitters, orthopaedic fitters/ technicians or athletic trainers applying for Medicare enrollment in order to bill for Medicare part B services are not exempt from meeting the September 30, 2009 deadline for DMEPOS accreditation.
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Flu Shot Reminder
It's seasonal flu time again! If you have Medicare patients who haven't yet received their flu shot, you can help them reduce their risk of contracting the seasonal flu and potential complications by recommending an annual influenza and a one-time pneumococcal vaccination. Medicare provides coverage of flu and pneumococcal vaccines and their administration. - And don't forget to immunize yourself and your staff. Protect yourself, your patients, and your family and friends. Get Your Flu Shot - Not the Flu.
Remember - Influenza vaccine plus its administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered drug.
Health care professionals and their staff can learn more about Medicare's coverage of the influenza vaccine and other Medicare Part B covered vaccines and related provider education resources created by CMS, by reviewing Special Edition MLN Matters article SE0838 http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0838.pdf on the CMS website.
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