What if I am already a Medicare B Supplier?

CMS has mandated that all Medicare Suppliers will have to undergo an accreditation process in order to bill and be paid for DMEPOS. This is in addition to your current Medicare Supplier status.

What is a custom-fabricated/custom made orthosis?

According to the Quality Standards for Suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, a custom fabricated item is one that is individually made for a specific patient. No other patient would be able to use this item. For more information see CMS’s Quality Standards.

What is a custom-fitted orthosis?

According to the Quality Standards for Suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, a custom fitted orthosis is the same as a prefabricated device. For more information see CMS’s Quality Standards.

What is a pre-fabricated orthosis?

According to the Quality Standards for Suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, a prefabricated (also referred to as custom fitted) device is one which is manufactured in quantity without a specific patient in mind. The device may be supplied as a kit of prefabricated parts that require some assembly and/or fitting and adjustment, or a device that must be trimmed, bent, molded (with or without heat), or otherwise modified for use by a specific patient (i.e., custom fitted). For more information see CMS’s Quality Standards

How long will it take to become accredited?

Once the facility submits the application and the onsite survey along with the associated fees to NBAOS, then NBAOS will process the application. Once approved, NBAOS will conduct an UNANNOUNCED survey within 60 calendar days of notification the facility is prepared for the onsite survey. Following the survey, the facility will be notified of their accreditation status within 30 calendar days. Overall, from the time the application process begins it will take facilities an average of three to six months to complete the entire process. It is all dependent on how quickly a facility can have all the requirements in order.

How long does the initial accreditation last?

The initial accreditation is for a three year period.

Will my facility ever have to be reaccredited?

There will be a re-enrollment following the initial three years and every three years thereafter.

How will surveyors be selected?

A request for surveyors will be sent out via email and placed on therapists' web sites asking for applicants. Applicants must then submit an application for surveyor status, which will include their CV, current work setting, licensure information, work history, references, and a brief description of their experience in orthotic fabrication.

How will surveyors be selected and trained ?

Surveyors will be selected by the Survey Selection Committee and must undergo training through a self-guided surveyor training manual. Once the surveyor has completed the training manual, the surveyor must pass a surveyor self-assessment examination. The surveyor will be given a significant amount of assistance during the training process by the surveyor director. 

What happens if I am in competition with the surveyor in my area?

You should feel confident that every attempt to make this survey a positive experience for you is being done. The surveyors must sign conflict of interest and confidentiality forms that will be stringently adhered to. A facility may request a different surveyor to NBAOS, although they may experience a delay in the survey process while their request is being processed. Once surveyed, the facility will be asked to complete an Accreditation Survey Satisfaction Form. The Director of Surveyors and the Surveyor Selection Committee will monitor the performance of our surveyors, and if their performance is below NBAOS's standards, the surveyor will be re-trained or removed as a qualified surveyor.

Will I be able to appeal the accreditation decision of the surveyor?

Yes, a process will be in place to appeal the decision of the surveyor and the Accreditation Committee. It is important to understand the surveyor submits the onsite survey results to the Accreditation Committee for final review and decision. Should a facility appeal, the appeal must be in writing within 30 calendar days of notification of the survey result. The NBAOS Appeal Committee will meet, review the appeal and notify the facility in writing of the Appeal’s Committee final decision within 90 calendar days.