Industry sources recently stumbled across a CMS Interim Final Rule titled “Durable Medical Equipment Fee Schedule, Adjustments to Resume the Transitional 50/50 Blended Rates to Provide Relief in Non-Competitive Bidding Areas”. While the rule is being vetted, there is no text publicly available to know exactly what the rule intends to do. The title, however, suggests CMS may be entertaining a fee schedule change back to the 50/50 rate calculations in place last January, which were used to calculate the Cures adjustments. If this rule does what we think it might, it will bring positive, monetary relief – for how long no one can say yet.
But, there is a danger we must all watch for. With the reprieve comes a lull… a dulling of the razor’s edge. That edge is not necessary for change, but is often the driving force. It has driven many organizations to make meaningful changes to processes that were broken before… the brutal market forced action. At MiraVista, we passionately believe providers must continue to focus on becoming more efficient organizations. Every provider has room to improve and many of you have made lasting improvements already. Even if nothing happens with this rule, you’ll reap the rewards of a stronger, healthier company. And if something does happen, the money will go straight to your bottom line. But the DME that continues to delay making necessary changes will eat up that extra cash with inefficient processes.
Continue to take the reigns, protect your company’s edge – and stay in control.
But, there is a danger we must all watch for. With the reprieve comes a lull… a dulling of the razor’s edge. That edge is not necessary for change, but is often the driving force. It has driven many organizations to make meaningful changes to processes that were broken before… the brutal market forced action. At MiraVista, we passionately believe providers must continue to focus on becoming more efficient organizations. Every provider has room to improve and many of you have made lasting improvements already. Even if nothing happens with this rule, you’ll reap the rewards of a stronger, healthier company. And if something does happen, the money will go straight to your bottom line. But the DME that continues to delay making necessary changes will eat up that extra cash with inefficient processes.
Continue to take the reigns, protect your company’s edge – and stay in control.
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