DMEPOS Accreditation & Medicare Enrollment (855S)
Outcomes
· Accredited and Medicare-enrolled with fewer delays
· Inspection-ready from day one · Revenue-generating sooner
Typical deliverables
· Eligibility & exemption assessment · Accrediting organization (AO) selection
· Policies & procedures manual
· Staff & premises inspection prep
· CMS 855S preparation & submission
· Surety bond guidance
· Follow-up through approval
FAQs
Do I need DMEPOS accreditation to bill Medicare for DME?
Yes — any pharmacy or supplier billing Medicare Part B for DME, orthotics, prosthetics, or medical supplies must be accredited by a CMS-approved organization. The requirement has been federal law since 2009.
How long does the process take?
Plan for an average of 4–6 months from start to approval. The CMS 855S alone takes roughly 3 months to process, and accreditation surveys must be completed before enrollment is granted — there is no grace period.
What does accreditation cost?
The CMS 855S application fee is $730. A $50,000 surety bond is also required (typically $250/year, though poor credit can raise this to $5,000). Accrediting organization fees vary.
How long does processing take?
Plan for an average of 4–6 months from start to approval. The CMS 855S alone takes roughly 3 months to process, and accreditation surveys must be completed before enrollment is granted — there is no grace period.
Which accrediting organization should I choose?
It depends on your product categories. We help you select the right fit based on what you plan to bill
Does my pharmacy qualify for the accreditation exemption?
Possibly. If you have been enrolled in Medicare for at least 5 years, have no adverse actions in the last 5 years, and DMEPOS billing is less than 5% of total pharmacy sales — you may qualify and can avoid the full accreditation process entirely. We assess this upfront.
What are the most common reasons accreditation surveys fail?
As of January 1, 2026, CMS moved from a 3-year to an annual accreditation cycle. New suppliers and any supplier adding a location must complete a survey before accreditation is granted — no exceptions.
How often do I need to renew?
As of January 1, 2026, CMS moved from a 3-year to an annual accreditation cycle. New suppliers and any supplier adding a location must complete a survey before accreditation is granted — no exceptions.