Supporting documentation: Example Annual Performance Improvement Report 

The DMEPOS Annual Performance Improvement Report is a systematic review that helps monitor, evaluate, and enhance all aspects of healthcare service delivery within a DMEPOS provider’s organization. This report serves as a structured framework to identify opportunities for quality improvement and enhance patient outcomes. 

Audio transcript: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and accreditation organizations such as The Joint Commission, the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, and the Board of Certification require healthcare providers, including DME suppliers, to have a structured incident reporting process to ensure patient safety, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. Incident reporting regulations mandate that providers document, investigate, and address any adverse events, patient injuries, equipment malfunctions, or compliance violations that could affect patient care or Medicare billing integrity.  

CMS requires providers to establish clear protocols for identifying and documenting incidents, including what happened, when, where, and who was involved, as well as any corrective actions taken. Accreditation bodies further reinforce these requirements by evaluating a provider’s incident management system during audits and accreditation surveys. Failure to comply with incident reporting standards can result in Medicare claim denials, financial penalties, loss of accreditation, and even revocation of billing privileges. Proper incident reporting not only helps providers identify risk trends and improve patient safety but also serves as a defense mechanism during audits and investigations by demonstrating compliance with federal and accreditation standards.