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Be Prepared for Medicare NPE Validation Visits – Part 4: Physical Location Requirements

By: Kris Ravotti, RRT, RCP

Clinical Compliance Educator

Posted: August 4, 2025

Physical location requirements are the next discussion point in our guide to preparing for NPE site visits.

DMEPOS Supplier Standards contain specific requirements related to the DMEPOS provider’s location. During a site visit, the inspector will verify compliance with:

Supplier Standard Questions addressing compliance with the requirement

1
42 CFR

424.57(c)(1)

 Does the location meet all federal accessibility guidelines for people with disabilities?

4
42 CFR

424.57(c)(4)

 Is inventory stored on site? If not, are there contracts, invoices, or other evidence showing how the supplier will obtain inventory necessary to fill orders?

7

42 CFR

424.57(c)(7)
  • Is the location accessible to the public (not in a gated community or other location with restricted access)?
  • Is there a visible sign with the supplier’s business name?
  • Is the location open and staffed upon arrival?
  • Are hours of operation posted?
  • Is the location at least 200* square feet?

9

42 CFR

424.57(c)(9)

 Is there a primary business telephone, exclusive of cell phones, beepers, or pagers listed under the name of the business locally or in a toll-free directory?

29

42 CFR

424.57(c)(29)

 Does the supplier share office space with another PTAN supplier? If so, does it operate as a separate unit with its own legal postal address? Are contractual agreements in place for any shared staff or services?

30

42 CFR

424.57(c)(30)

 Is the location open at least 30 hours per week*?

*For organizations that only provide custom fabricated orthotics and prosthetics in a private practice, please consult the full language of the referenced CFR (Supplier Standard) for applicable exceptions.

Because these requirements are specific to the physical location, the site inspector will take pictures to verify compliance. Consider taking the same pictures as evidence of what was seen on the day of the inspection. If you store products offsite, the inspector may ask to see the location and document that location with photographs as well.

Ensure that all supplier locations meet these requirements by reading the Supplier Standards outlined in 42 CRF 424.57(c). Other useful resource documents include the Site investigation for suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) and the Supplier Enrollment FAQ.

ACHC is committed to supporting quality and sustainability in DMEPOS organizations. For more insights and tips on NPE validation visits, read all installments in this series: Part 1 (Validation Visits), Part 2 (Preparing for Success), Part 3 (Complaint Procedures).

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Discover more articles about DMEPOS Accreditation here.