Industry Notes: MACs Replace DMERCs Next Month

Why This Topic Matters

The piece highlights operational and payment changes that can affect day-to-day Medicare billing, contractor communications, and reimbursement expectations. It also flags broader program integrity and administrative developments that may matter to providers and suppliers monitoring CMS updates.

Article Sections

1. DME MAC transition overview

   Discusses the planned shift from DMERCs to DME MACs and the geographic jurisdictions affected by the change. Includes references to CMS oversight and contractor implementation timing.

2. Part B drug payment update

   Summarizes CMS payment updates for Part B drugs for the third quarter of 2006 and notes separate attention to intravenous immune globulin. Covers the general scope of payment-rate changes and related CMS communications.

3. Other news

   Covers additional Medicare and Medicaid administrative and enforcement items, including appeals-process revisions, a Medicaid fraud case, and a Medicare fraud plea involving durable medical equipment billing.