VGM Launches Competitive Bidding Web Site

May 11, 2007

Having trouble wrapping your mind around the 401-page final rule on competitive bidding? The VGM Group can help. The organization recently launched a section of its Web site devoted to information and tips on competitive bidding.

To access information, users simply log on to http://www.vgm.com and then choose from seven options, including Not Submitting a Bid, Bidding on My Own, Looking for a Subcontractor to Fulfill My Geographical or Product Needs, and I Didn't Win the Bid, Now What? The site includes printable to-do lists, required CMS forms and information in easy-to-understand bullet points.

"Competitive bidding is an onerous burden for HME providers, and we want to do as much as we can to help them through the process," said Mark Higley, VGM's vice president-development and architect of the site.

Numerous links will take users to tools, data and forms, including product categories by HCPCS, HCPCS weights/bid limits, FAQs and the 10 competitive bidding areas, including ZIP codes. The site is updated as new information becomes available from CMS and Palmetto (the competitive bidding implementation contractor).

Higley recommends that HME providers review Preparing to Bid – An Instructional PowerPoint on the VGM Web site.