3 Things to know about DME CMS Accreditation
CMS accreditation is a process by which organizations validate the effectiveness of healthcare software in meeting specific standards. The goal of this process is to ensure that providers using these software products are protected from potential risks and help improve outcomes for patients. Greater adoption of DME CMMS systems throughout the industry has led to an increased need for CMS Accreditation. CMS Accreditation provides validation that a software solution meets a standard of quality and can be used confidently. It is not a certification, but rather a type of accreditation based on ISO Standards for IT vendor and supplier audit programs. If you are looking at implementing a DME system, it is important to understand if your vendor has been accredited by an external organization. This article outlines three key things you need to know about DME CMS Accreditation:
What is DME CMMS Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary, risk-based process that verifies a software solution meets specific standards of quality. These standards are described in a document called the criteria for certification or ISO Standards for the Application of Management Systems. While the CMS standard is not a certification, it is a requirement for organizations that want to become certified to the CMS program. The CMS requirements are the same as ISO requirements, but the focus is on the requirements that are specific to CMS, such as the data elements required for Medicare and Medicaid. Organizations that undergo the evaluation process successfully can display the CMS logo on their website and marketing materials. Similarities between CMS and ISO Standards - There are several similarities between CMS and ISO Standards. Both documents are focused on healthcare organizations, and each document has six requirements that assess how well the organization is functioning and meeting expectations.
Who can perform DME CMS Accreditation?
CMS Accreditation is handled by an external organization that specializes in validating the functionality and quality of healthcare IT systems. CMS Accreditation is required for providers who want to be certified to the CMS program. All CMS-certified providers must undergo a CMS Accreditation audit every 2 years. Organizations that perform DME CMS Accreditation include ISO auditors and CMS designated audit providers (DAPs). A CMS DAP is a company that has been certified by CMS to perform CMS Accreditation. ISO Certification - ISO is an international organization that sets standards in the business world. ISO holds two types of certification: product certification and organization certification. Product certification is when a company is certified to make a certain product, such as the certification of the CMS software to make CMS software. Organization certification is when an organization is certified to certify products made by other companies. CMS Designated Auditor (DA) - A CMS DAP is a company that has been certified by CMS to perform CMS Accreditation. This is an important distinction as ISO auditors may not have the expertise required to conduct a CMS Accreditation audit.
How to find out if your DME provider is accredited?
CMS Accreditation is a lengthy process that begins with a software audit and ends with an audit of the organization. Your DME provider can provide details about when their CMS Accreditation audit will take place. CMS Accreditation audits are typically performed annually. Find out if the organization has the CMS DAP - You can determine if your DME provider has the CMS DAP by looking at their website or contacting the organization directly. If your DME provider is not a CMS DAP, they will need to partner with a CMS DAP to be accredited.
Pros of DME CMS Accreditation
Ensures the functionality and quality of the system - The CMS Accreditation process ensures the functionality and quality of the technology so that providers can have confidence in the system. CMS Accreditation validates that the system meets the requirements of the CMS standard, which protects providers by meeting government reporting requirements for Medicare and Medicaid. Potential reduction in audit risk - Providers who have implemented a CMS Accredited DME system can feel confident their data is accurate and can reduce their risk of being audited. Increased adoption - The CMS Accreditation process increases adoption of DME systems since providers have the confidence that the system is functioning properly.
Cons of DME CMS Accreditation
Extra expense - CMS Accreditation involves an audit of the organization and the implementation of the system. This requires additional time and resources. Long implementation timelines - Implementation timelines can be lengthy because the CMS Accreditation process involves an audit of the implementation as well as the organization.
Final Words
As the implementation of DME systems increases across the industry, the need for CMS Accreditation will continue to grow. Organizations that are CMS Accredited can feel confident that their system is functioning properly, and providers can have confidence in their data. CMS Accreditation involves an audit of the organization and the implementation of the DME system. This can be a lengthy process, but it is well worth it for providers who want to have confidence in their system.