Letter to the editor: Accreditation: WellPoint responds

I read the following article in on your web site "Accreditation: Medicare's requirement not foolproof," HME News November 2011).  I was disappointed that WellPoint was not contacted for comment on this story.  There is information in your article that is in accurate and I would request that if you write about this again, or republish this story in any way, that you update the following information.

First, it's important to point out that our Medicare Supplement members' access to quality care is not impacted by this. Medicare Supplement plans generally do not have provider networks, therefore, for Medicare covered benefits, we would pay our cost share.

Second, we will not terminate currently contracted providers in Georgia which have not met our accreditation standards by March 1, 2012. We understand that some DME providers need more time before being able to meet these criteria and are asking we consider expanding the number of accrediting bodies recognized.

We believe that an accreditation requirement for DME providers is an essential quality criterion for participation and in the coming year. We continue to examine our provider networks and credentialing requirements including evaluation of the numerous accrediting bodies. We will continue to communicate with our providers on our transition plans.

Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding this or for any future stories that may include WellPoint.

Thank you.

--Jill Becher, corporate media relations director, WellPoint, Inc., Waukesha, Wis.