# Medicare Program; Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier Service Areas and Related Matters
> **Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services** · Final rule. · Published 2005-02-25 · Effective 2005-03-28 · 70 FR 9232
## Document
- **Document number:** 05-3728
- **Category:** medicare
- **Sub-agency:** Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- **Federal Register citation:** 70 FR 9232
- **CFR reference:** 42 CFR 421
- **Publication date:** 2005-02-25
- **Effective date:** 2005-03-28
- **HHS docket:** CMS-1219-F
## Abstract

This final rule provides a mechanism for us to expeditiously make changes to the durable medical equipment regional carrier (DMERC) service area boundaries without notice and comment rulemaking. Through this mechanism, we can change the geographical boundaries served by the regional contractors that process durable medical equipment claims through issuance of a Federal Register notice and make other minor changes in the contract administration of the DMERCs. The mechanism provides a method for increasing or decreasing the number of DMERCs, changing the boundaries of DMERCs based on criteria other than the boundaries of the Common Working File sectors, and awarding new contractors to perform statistical analysis or maintain the national supplier clearinghouse. We will publish these changes and their justifications in a Federal Register notice, rather than through notice and comment rulemaking. Although we may change the number and configuration of regional carriers, we are not altering the criteria and factors that we use in awarding contracts. Through this final rule, we are improving the contracting process so that we can swiftly meet the challenges of the changing healthcare industry and address the changing needs of beneficiaries, suppliers, and the Medicare program.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/02/25/05-3728/medicare-program-durable-medical-equipment-regional-carrier-service-areas-and-related-matters)
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