CMS Directs Beneficiaries to Reach Out to Their Suppliers for Repair and Replacements of Philips Respironics Recalled Equipment

Published in Government Relations on August 26, 2021

Yesterday, CMS sent out the alert below regarding the recalled Phillips Respironics products, directing Medicare beneficiaries to reach out the suppliers they purchased the equipment from if they need it replaced or repaired. While the statement released by CMS is accurate in that most of the patients impacted by the recall should expect to have their existing device repaired or replaced, it fails to mention that the process and timeline associated with repairing or replacing those devices could take several months. We believe that should be clarified by CMS, as the current wording of the message they released will no doubt create unrealistic expectations for Medicare beneficiaries.

To that end, VGM is preparing a letter to send to CMS regarding this announcement, requesting that they issue a revised statement with additional clarification. We will keep you updated as we hear more.

PRI Medicare

In the meantime, VGM encourages providers to create clear expectations with your patients about what to expect. Below is a template that you can use as a basis of your communications with your patient base:

Philips Respironics, the manufacturer of your recalled device, has agreed to repair or replace all recalled and registered devices. Please make sure you have registered your device with them. You can complete that registration process here: https://www.philipssrcupdate.expertinquiry.com/?ulang=en or call them at 877-907-7508. Any Devices that are rentals are still owned by us, your supplier, and will be replaced by us as soon as we receive replacement devices from Philips, but the process could take several months.

There is currently a major disruption in the supply chain for these products, including both raw materials and device components. Philips is also awaiting approval from the FDA to begin repairing devices or offering replacements. Because of those factors, there are not currently enough alternate devices available to repair/replace your device. We will notify you as soon as we have the ability to offer you a replacement device.


TAGS

  1. cms
  2. medicare
  3. vgm government

From Our Experts

VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). thumbnail VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). The comments reflect VGM Group's support of CMS' goal of strengthening program integrity and shares CMS' commitment to protecting Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse. DME suppliers already operate in a highly regulated environment and have a direct interest in ensuring that anti-fraud initiatives are precisely targeted, data driven, and operationally feasible, so that legitimate suppliers can continue to serve beneficiaries without unnecessary disruption. Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened thumbnail Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened As reported by NCART: Do you use, recommend or provide power seat elevation for individuals with any of the diagnoses below? If so, and you answer YES to any of the questions below, it is important for Medicare to hear your story in writing by midnight on Saturday, April 4 at PMDRecon@noridian.com. Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid thumbnail Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid As reported by The van Halem Group: On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued a temporary moratorium on enrollment of new Medicaid providers for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year thumbnail CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year As reported by CMS: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is slashing wasteful spending and antiquated paperwork by swapping out faxing and mailing for streamlined electronic transactions. This action lets providers spend less time on administrative hassle and more time caring for patients. PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift thumbnail PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift PAMES and DME suppliers across Washington are taking an important stand on behalf of both providers and patients. The Tacoma Daily Index recently reported on the state's plan to move to a sole-source contract for incontinence and urological supplies. Under this decision, the Health Care Authority intends to transition all Medicaid recipients to receiving these products from a single vendor. SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters thumbnail SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters Make your voice heard about how the CBP has affected your business. New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries thumbnail New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, have introduced the Diabetes Interventions Addressing Barriers to Enrollment, Technology, and Education Services (DIABETES) Act, S.4037. VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center thumbnail VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center VGM Government Relations is proud to announce the reintroduction of its Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) Reporting Resource Center—a newly refreshed online hub designed to protect the integrity of the DMEPOS industry and reinforce our unwavering commitment to ethical, compliant care.