I am freaking out, I got a letter notifying me that the DME inspector is coming.
What do I do??
I got a letter from Palmetto GBA saying they are making a site visit. I am meticulous about obtaining all the proper notes and signatures from PMD, etc. but the letter mentions things like "warranty coverage information" and "instructions." Are these things that are required for Diabetic Shoes?
First let me reassure you that they are not suspecting you of fraud or abuse. If that were the case, you would not be receiving such a gentle letter from Palmetto GBA. So, let’s analyze several questions:
- Why is Palmetto sending you a letter informing you of a site visit, better known as an inspection of your office? Was this after your initial application to become a supplier, or subsequent to your submission of your triennial revalidation? If either are the case, then it is “routine” inspection. I will say more about that below.
- If this is not associated with either an initial or revalidation application then you have likely been selected for a “surprise midcycle” inspection. Which means that the enrollment contractor in coordination with the inspection contractor has selected you as the “lucky” person to have a mid-cycle inspection. This is a relatively new process that the inspector contractor has embraced.
In either case, it would appear from your question that you selected a particular set of office hours for your application and the inspector could show up at any time during those hours.
If instead, you had chosen “By Appointment Only” the inspector by law must call your office prior to coming to the office, as opposed to relying on the USPS. While the inspector won’t make a specific time/day appointment, they may ask when you may be in the office next week.
Next week’s column will provide more information
