Associations host teleconferences

For the first time, all the state associations in Jurisdiction A have teamed up to host a series of teleconferences aimed at walking providers through what they call the "accreditation maze." The six-week series kicked off Feb. 1 with a run-down on accreditation. It then featured an overview of five of the accrediting organizations that have been approved by CMS to survey providers as part of its national competitive bidding program. The March 1 and March 8 teleconferences will feature overviews of The Compliance Team and HQAA, respectively. (Overviews of JCAHO, CHAP and ACHC took place in February.) "Usually, we host our own conferences, but we wanted to work together to make a difference for providers," said Carol Napierski, executive director of the New York Medical Equipment Providers Association. "It was a natural fit to share resources." The other state associations involved: Jersey Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers, Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association, New England Medical Equipment Dealers Association and Pennsylvania Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers. Each session comprises 60 minutes of instruction and a 30-minute question-and-answer period. On hand for each overview: a provider that has been accredited by the featured organization. "That way, if you're still looking to make a choice, you have the opportunity to get a good feel for the organization--what their protocols are, what their policies are," said Terri Maggio, executive director of JAMES. "The standards may be the same, but how they're put together by each organization is a little different." The cost for the six-week series is $149.99 for association members and $299.99 for non-members. The cost per session is $39.99.