Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Demonstration: Bidding System Design Report

摘要

The report reviews characteristics of the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry, the legislative history of Medicare reimbursement policies for DME, and the problems that have arisen under those policies which led to HCFA's decision to test competitive bidding as an alternative reimbursement system. Several design options are described and analyzed for their possible effects on Medicare Problem costs, beneficiary access to quality service and equipment, and general impact on the DME Market.