Volume 2024 | No. 2
SURVEYOR
FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
DME businesses contribute to the healthcare continuum as a critical link between prescribers and patients, offering the equipment, supplies, and education patients need to achieve positive outcomes. This can mean providing high-tech, customized equipment to support mobility, equipment for oxygen therapy, crutches, or something in between. The key to a successful, sustainable business is the ability to achieve standards for quality and safety that meet patient needs and accurately document products and services delivered. Trending the Data In the 2021 Quality Review, 13 standards were cited on more than 20% surveys. Last year’s report noted six standards at that frequency. This year, only two standards are above the 20% threshold, indicating impressive advancement in overall compliance. ACHC-accredited suppliers should be proud of this achievement, as it demonstrates a clear commitment to continuous improvement and quality care. Within that inarguable success, there is one stumbling block. DRX7-12D remains as the most cited standard, and this year’s data reflect a significant uptick of deficiencies in 42% of DMEPOS surveys. Providing durable medical equipment and products often calls for a warehouse and/or delivery vehicle. Whether employing a subcontractor or in-house solutions, suppliers are responsible for ensuring proper cleaning, disinfection, storage, and transportation practices. DRX7-12D contains many specific requirements that are being missed. Staff training and checklists may help your organization avoid citations for items that are clearly identified as requirements of the standard. Regularly scheduled audits of personnel files would help in reducing noncompliance in many sections of this report. Personnel files contain position descriptions, documented trainings, evidence of competencies, and background checks – all missing elements that contributed to deficiencies. That said, both DRX4-7A and 4-8A reflect a drop in frequency from last year to this year, and this progress deserves kudos.
As you read through the report, we hope you find both guidance and comfort. Guidance if you recognize similar challenges at your organization, and/or comfort that you’re doing lots of things right. We’ve included a comprehensive list of surveyor comments and observations that illustrate the breadth and depth of potential pitfalls for suppliers both new and seasoned. Prior to annual education, consider assigning the topics among the employees and have them educate fellow staff members on their designated topic. This also helps the employees to become more familiar with the policy manual. A New Chapter As you may know, my tenure as the Program Director of the DMEPOS Program is drawing to a close. The DME landscape has grown and changed over the years, but one thing has remained constant – my belief in the power of accreditation. To put it simply, accreditation makes your organization better. If your organization is better, other organizations will follow suit and before you know it, the entire industry has improved. ACHC continues to evolve and ensure that the cycle continues. It has been my honor to assist organizations from single owner start-ups to corporate entities with hundreds of locations over the past 18 years. While I fully intend to enjoy my retirement, you may still see me from time to time. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Account Advisor with questions.
DMEPOS ACCREDITATION
Services
Distinctions
Home/Durable Medical Equipment Medical Supply Provider Complex Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Supplier Fitter Community Retail Community Retail with Diabetic Shoes
Clinical Respiratory Patient Management Custom Mobility
FREQUENT DEFICIENCIES FROM DMEPOS SURVEYS
60%
50%
40%
30%
Tim Safley, MBA, RRT, RCP Program Director
20%
10%
0%
DRX1-4A
DRX4-2H
DRX4-2J
DRX4-7A
DRX4-8A
DRX5-1A
DRX7-5B
DRX7-12D
Organization and Administration
Human Resource Management
Provision of Care and Record Management
Risk Management: Infection and Safety Control
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