Why Physician Practices Need a DME PTAN (and What It Unlocks)

You fit the walking boot. You size the knee brace. You show the patient how to use their glucose monitor before they leave the exam room. Then you send them down the street to a supplier, and the supplier bills Medicare for the item you already picked out. Sound familiar? You are not alone!

Many practices are already doing the work of a DME supplier. The missing piece is a DME PTAN, the Medicare billing number that lets your practice get paid for the equipment and supplies you furnish to your own patients.

The short answer: A physician's regular Medicare (Part B) PTAN covers professional services only. To bill Medicare for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), the practice must enroll separately as a DMEPOS supplier on the CMS-855S and receive a DME PTAN. Physicians are exempt from DMEPOS accreditation, and from the surety bond when they furnish items only to their own patients.

What is a DME PTAN?

A PTAN (Provider Transaction Access Number) is the number Medicare issues when your enrollment is approved. Your practice likely has one already for office visits and procedures. DMEPOS claims are a different line of business: they go to a DME Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC), not your Part B contractor, and they require their own supplier enrollment and their own PTAN.

Who should consider one?

If your practice regularly hands patients an item they need to recover or manage a condition, a DME PTAN deserves a look. Common examples:

• Orthopedics and sports medicine: walking boots, knee and wrist braces, splints, slings
• Podiatry: diabetic shoes and inserts, ankle braces, offloading devices
• Endocrinology and primary care: blood glucose monitors and testing supplies
• Pulmonology: nebulizers and related supplies
• Physical medicine and rehab: canes, crutches, walkers

The benefits for your practice

• Capture revenue you're already earning. You select, fit and teach. A DME PTAN lets the practice bill for the item instead of handing that reimbursement to an outside supplier.
• A better patient experience. Patients leave with what they need the same day. No second trip, no waiting on a delivery, no wondering if they got the right size.
• Better continuity of care. You control product quality and fit, which supports adherence and outcomes.
• Fewer hurdles than you'd expect. Physicians and other eligible professionals are exempt from DMEPOS accreditation, and from the $50,000 surety bond when items go only to their own patients (CMS).
• Ready for what's next. CMS has signaled competitive bidding returns in 2028 and urged suppliers to get enrollment applications in early (CMS).

What about the 2026 moratorium?

From February 27 to August 27, 2026, CMS paused new enrollments for "medical supply company" DMEPOS suppliers. That moratorium has expired, and it was not aimed at physician offices that provide direct medical care (CHAP). Enrollment contractors are accepting initial DMEPOS applications again (CMS).

What still applies

A DME PTAN comes with responsibilities. Practices must meet the 30 DMEPOS supplier standards in 42 CFR 424.57, carry $300,000 in general liability insurance, pass an unannounced site visit, keep posted hours, and revalidate every three years (CMS). All owners tied to the practice's EIN must take part in the application, including fingerprinting through Accurate Biometrics if requested, even owners who don't plan to dispense. Self-referral rules (Stark Law) also limit which items a physician can furnish in-office to Medicare patients, so confirm your item list fits an exception before you stock it.

Timing matters too. Applications average about 90 days from submission, but practices east of the Mississippi River (processed by Novitas) have been waiting more than six months. The sooner you start, the sooner you can bill.

That's where we come in.

How R.J. Hedges helps

For 20 years, our Medicare Application Team has prepared CMS-855 applications for pharmacies, physician offices and DMEPOS facilities. You complete one web-based questionnaire; we prepare the application, flag what's missing, and stay with you through approval. Our goal is simple: keep you stress free and in compliance! See what's included, what it costs and whether you're eligible on our Medicare PTAN Enrollment Service for Physicians page.

Ready to see if a DME PTAN makes sense for your practice? Talk to our Medicare Application Team, email sales@rjhedges.com or call (724) 357-8380. Want the step-by-step? Read How to Get a DME PTAN: The Physician's Step-by-Step Guide.

Let's Get Your DMEPOS Medicare PTAN

Frequently asked questions

Do physicians need a separate PTAN to bill Medicare for DME?
Yes. A Part B PTAN covers professional services. DMEPOS claims require enrollment as a DMEPOS supplier on the CMS-855S, which issues a separate DME PTAN.

Do physicians need DMEPOS accreditation?
No. Physicians and other eligible professionals (such as PAs, NPs, PTs and OTs) are exempt from DMEPOS accreditation.

Do physicians need a surety bond for DME?
Not if they furnish items only to their own patients as part of their professional service.

Is there a fee to enroll?
Yes. CMS charges an application fee per location; it is $750 for 2026.

How long does it take to get a DME PTAN?
About 90 days on average. Practices west of the Mississippi River often see shorter times; east of the Mississippi, Novitas has been taking more than six months.

Did the 2026 DMEPOS moratorium apply to physicians?
It targeted medical supply companies, typically not physician offices, and it expired August 27, 2026.