CMS Must Ensure Adequate Monitoring Protocols and Provide Greater Transparency in Reporting of Outcomes Related to Implementation of the Competitive Bidding Program
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) implemented a trial of the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) for diabetes supplies in nine test markets on January 2011 with the intent of lowering the cost to Medicare beneficiaries. CMS data from 2009-2012 were used by the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) to assess the impact of CBP on acquisition of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) supplies by Medicare beneficiaries with insulin-treated diabetes.
As reported by the NMQF at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 74th Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress, held May 13-15, Nashville, TN, there was a strong association between acquisition of diabetes testing supplies and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries who were followed over the four-year period.
Although CMS reported that implementation of the CBP in the nine test markets was a success, and that access to diabetes testing supplies was not compromised, changes in how beneficiaries acquired their testing supplies were not reported. These changes could potentially impact beneficiary utilization of blood glucose monitoring supplies.
Given the significant association between acquisition of diabetes testing supplies and mortality, it is our position that greater transparency in CMS reporting is needed to ensure that adequate monitoring protocols are in place to identify and mitigate any disruption of access that may be occurring due to the CBP implementation.
About National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council
The National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council is an organization comprised of former chairs of the board and past officers of the American Diabetes Association who are committed to ensuring the well-being of diabetes patients across the country.
SOURCE National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council
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