Stronger Industry Standards
The PMC seeks to develop an ongoing partnership with government to reduce fraud and abuse throughout federal healthcare programs. Power mobility suppliers and manufacturers are in the best position to identify fraudulent operators and "fly-by-night" suppliers who are not abiding by Medicare rules.
The PMC has developed several anti-fraud recommendations, beyond current Medicare requirements, that would increase accountability by requiring power mobility suppliers to comply with more rigid requirements. These recommendations, which have been previously presented by the PMC to CMS and the OIG, are listed in the following chart:
PMC Proposed Standards for Medicare Suppliers
· Frequent, random and unannounced National Supplier Clearinghouse visits to supplier locations to assure that Medicare supplier standards are being met.
· Suppliers should be required to service items that they sell as well as rent.
· Suppliers should be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or, for smaller suppliers, a surety bond or increased capitalization requirement should be imposed in lieu of accreditation.
· High end rehabilitation suppliers should be credentialed by a nationally recognized credentialing agency.
· Advertising should be regulated. Rules must be clear and bright line tests and clear guidance should be developed to ensure acceptable marketing practices.
· Suppliers should adopt a compliance program. Marketing and billing personnel should be required to attend company compliance training.
Power Mobility Anti-Fraud Advisory Board
Power mobility suppliers and manufacturers want to develop an ongoing partnership with government to assist reducing fraud and abuse throughout federal health care programs. This partnership should be codified by the creation of a National CMS Power Mobility Advisory Board that would provide a conduit between the power mobility industry and CMS for the identification of fraudulent and abusive practices and suppliers, along with recommendations for change.
