Supplier Defined

90.1 - Supplier Defined (Rev. 1, 09-11-02) The term supplier means an entity that is qualified to furnish health services covered by Medicare, other than providers, physicians, and practitioners. The following suppliers must meet the conditions in order to receive Medicare payment: ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), independent physical therapists, mammography facilities, DMEPOS suppliers, independent occupational therapists, clinical laboratories, portable X-ray suppliers, dialysis facilities, rural health clinics, and Federally-qualified health centers. An ASC is a distinct entity that operates exclusively for the purpose of furnishing outpatient surgical services to patients. It enters into an agreement with CMS to do so. An ASC is either independent (i.e., not a part of a provider of services or any other facility), or operated by a hospital (i.e., under the common ownership, licensure, or control of a hospital). A DME supplier is an entity that furnishes DME and has a number assigned by the National Supplier Clearinghouse.