VGMHealthcare MSO
Full Menu

VGM Meets with CMS to Discuss Concerns Related to Post-PHE

Published in VGM Government Relations on March 28, 2022

VGM Government Relations recently met with CMS to discuss concerns about supplier requirements once the public health emergency (PHE) comes to an end.

We heard your concerns related to policy requirements and expectations after the PHE comes to an end and brought those to the attention of Provider Compliance Group for CMS’ Program Integrity. The discussion included a number of topics including providing plenty of notice (60 to 90 days) to the healthcare industry in preparation prior to the end of the PHE.

In addition, the discussion included concerns for the patients that are currently renting DME under the PHE waivers. Will these patients need to get qualified to meet policy coverage criteria, or will these patients fall under the grandfather method? While CMS representatives could not provide details, there was agreement that disruption of equipment use, medical necessity, and reimbursement should not occur for the patients and the suppliers.

Amongst the discussion, VGM’s Ronda Buhrmester and U.S. Rehab’s Dan Fedor raised concerns related to audits. With the various contractors that audit CMS claims, it was important that CMS is aware of the scrutiny that tends to fall on the DME suppliers. The claims using a PHE waiver (using the CR modifier and COVID-19 claim narrative) are a big concern for suppliers. The suppliers were also on the front lines collaborating with hospitals, nursing facilities, and physician clinics offering services to keep patients safe in their homes using home medical equipment.

While there were several topics of discussion related to policies and audits for post PHE, VGM’s Mark Higley provided data-related increases in staffing/wages, as well as acquisition costs.

The CMS staff appreciated the informative conversation with VGM, and are looking forward to future communications between both parties.

TAGS

  1. billing & reimbursement
  2. cms
  3. dmepos
  4. regulatory
  5. reimbursement
  6. vgm
  7. vgm government

From Our Experts

The President Signs Choice for Increased Mobility Act Into Law thumbnail The President Signs Choice for Increased Mobility Act Into Law The signing of the Choice for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703) into law marks a significant victory for mobility, independence, and patient choice. By expanding options for individuals who rely on ultralightweight wheelchairs, this legislation represents meaningful progress for Medicare beneficiaries and the providers who serve them. The Elections Are Over. Democrats Control Congress. What Now? thumbnail The Elections Are Over. Democrats Control Congress. What Now? The votes have been counted, the campaign signs are finally coming down, and Democrats will enter 2027 controlling both the House and the Senate. While election outcomes always grab the headlines, what matters most for the home medical equipment industry is what happens next. HME Suppliers Guide to the 2026 Elections thumbnail HME Suppliers Guide to the 2026 Elections As policymakers at both the federal and state levels continue to shape healthcare policy, it is more important than ever for HME suppliers to stay informed and engaged. Decisions made by elected officials can have a significant impact on patient access to care, reimbursement, regulatory requirements, and the future of the home medical equipment industry. Showing Up...It Matters! thumbnail Showing Up...It Matters! We've all heard the phrase, "Showing up matters." That can mean a lot of different things at different times in our lives, even changing daily. Perhaps it means leaving work early to attend your children's event. Maybe it means not missing that important meeting at work. No doubt, both of those things are important. For us here in the Government Relations corner of VGM Group, it means something additional. Matthew Flatt: A Champion for Change in Home Medical Equipment thumbnail Matthew Flatt: A Champion for Change in Home Medical Equipment In every industry, there are people who do more than simply lead organizations. They inspire progress, build relationships, and create lasting change. In the home medical equipment (HME) industry, Matthew Flatt, CEO of Medicap Home Medical (formerly NuCara Home Medical) and President of the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services (MAMES), is one of those individuals... Full Legislative Text Released for Bipartisan Supply Bill H.R. 10787 thumbnail Full Legislative Text Released for Bipartisan Supply Bill H.R. 10787 Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) have introduced the bipartisan Access to Medical Supplies Act, legislation designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries who rely on ostomy and urological supplies. The bill would... Support H.R. 10787 to Protect Patient Access to Supplies thumbnail Support H.R. 10787 to Protect Patient Access to Supplies The DMEPOS community has an important opportunity to protect access to vital urological and ostomy supplies for Medicare beneficiaries. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) have introduced H.R. 10787, bipartisan legislation that would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude urological and ostomy supplies from Medicare competitive acquisition programs for five years... CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2028 thumbnail CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2028 Yesterday, CMS announced the Round 2028 bidding details with registration opening December 1, 2026, and the bid window opening January 5, 2027. The new Round 2028 timeline is as follows...

Unlock everything you need to successfully run your business. 

Become a Member