If you’ve been paying attention to the news over the last few weeks, then you know that Congress is currently working on our budget. The proposal, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, has sweeping implications for many industries, and so people are wondering whether it will affect them. And if you work in Home Medical Equipment or other providers taking federal funds, then you’re probably going to notice some changes to your professional approach, between the BBB and the recent indictments. There’s an opinion on the impact from hundreds of people. I think we need to wait and see but start some proactive measures to perform audits, run leaner and more efficiently in preparation for rollouts from the BBB.
Being proactive is critical, start with a conversation with Medical Auditing Solutions. We understand the enrollment and audit arena, and we’re always ready to help medical providers of all types to find a more efficient and effective way forward. Many health professionals have questions right now about what their environment will look like in the next few years, and that can be a tough way to go about your day.
Stay certain with quality help from a trusted team. Call Medical Auditing Solutions today to talk about your needs.
Home Medical Equipment Billing Is Tough Enough Already
When you live in the world of HME, then you know how rough the billing and repayment process can be. With the recent DOJ indictments that have been on the news, with mention of “supply providers” being included in that it is reasonable to expect an increase in audits. Medicare just published the proposed Competitive Bid Rule with a 60 day comment period and for all comments to be received from June 30, 2025. GET INVOLVED! Do not sit back and wait for an association to take on the battle, send in your comments. Here is a summary provided by The vanHalem Group which is excellent and be sure to click the links to read CMS posts. Connect with #HMENews, #AAHomecare, #VGM, or local state associations but get involved.
How many remember when competitive bids started that was the solution to fraud? Well, it may have helped in a small way but fraudulent providers will continue to commit fraud as they don’t care about the rules. In the DFW area CBS I-Team investigated complaints about multiple suppliers that were billing supplies to patients who never received them. The reporter showed up at the store fronts and they were empty. Patients had been reporting to Medicare but it took months for action.
Adding another round of competitive bidding along with proposed annual accreditation is detrimental to DME providers. Reimbursement cuts with increased spending to keep the doors open will cause significant impact, especially to the family owned local businesses. I implore you to submit your comments.
What Actions Can You Take to Be Proactive?
But for those who work in durable and home medical equipment, keeping up with these changes can help you to navigate your new normal. Do you have a compliance program in place? Do you have third party audits or are you doing the same thing you have done for 10-20 years? Do you make treating/ordering providers send you chart notes before setup? Are you billing after the date of death on rentals? Reach out to our office and we can help you implement proactive measures before an audit takes place.
The same applies to other payers that are receiving federal funding, and start some proactive steps. While audits are a cost center, they can improve your processes, improve collection time on claims, reduce risk for audits, permit you to do voluntary refunds, and implement accountability.
Keep Up With HME Changes With MAS
Things change quickly these days. If you’re having a tough time trying to figure out all the shifts in home medical equipment, billing, coding, and more, we’re here to help. Call our HME Billing Team direct or Medical Auditing Solutions at (972) 459-1508 today.