WASHINGTON, DC – Citing the suppliers’ need for “additional time to establish protocols for newly required face-to-face encounters,” CMS postponed the start of face-to-face requirements until October 1, 2013. At that time, CMS will expect full compliance.

Prior to the delay, industry advocates such as Lisa M. Getson, executive vice president, Government Relations and Corporate Compliance, Apria, predicted that the DMEPOS error rate would skyrocket if providers were not given more time. “And the industry would again be painted with a broad brush of non-compliance or ignorance,” warned Getson two weeks ago.

CMS expects that during the next several months, suppliers and physicians who order certain DME items will continue to collaborate and establish internal processes to ensure compliance with the face-to-face requirement. CMS expects DME suppliers to have fully established such internal processes and have appropriate documentation of required encounters by October 1, 2013.

AAHomecare has informed CMS of its concerns regarding the lack of information on this new requirement. To address this issue, the AAHomecare Regulatory Council has drafted a questions and answers document that will help providers deal with real-world situations. This document was sent to CMS, and the Agency’s legal counsel is now reviewing it.