DMEPOS as Deliverer of Respiratory Care

By Kris Ravotti, RRT, RCP, Clinical Compliance Educator

Kris Ravotti serves as a clinical compliance educator for DMEPOS, Sleep, Pharmacy, and Dentistry Accreditation Programs at ACHC. A passionate advocate for survey preparedness, Kris is a regular contributor to ACHC’s knowledge bank of FAQs and articles. She also develops audit tools and other materials to support providers on the path to continuing compliance.

Posted: February 2, 2026

DMEPOS organizations often do much more than deliver equipment and supplies to patients. Many also provide care for acute or chronic respiratory conditions through licensed respiratory care practitioners (RCP) or other qualified professionals. In addition to DMEPOS Accreditation, these organizations can achieve further recognition from ACHC by earning a Distinction in Clinical Respiratory Patient Management (CRPM).

ACHC Distinctions as a whole highlight excellence in specialty care. For CRPM, the focus is on the critical role of respiratory care and specialty services in ensuring a smooth transition from hospital discharge to in-home treatment. HME providers achieving this distinction confirm that they partner with hospitals and other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.

The distinction uses outcome-based measures to demonstrate accountability. Data analyzing the effects of patient education and disease management on hospital readmissions provides documentation that a strong clinical respiratory program in the home has positive therapeutic impact. These measures offer hospitals and other healthcare facilities validation of quality services that track care and help keep patients at home, thereby avoiding costly readmissions. As an example, data gathered by Encore Healthcare using their Nexus Software show that hospital readmission rates can be decreased by 66%.*

Avoiding hospital readmissions is a key objective for patients, providers, and payors. CRPM services offer consistent, reliable ways to achieve this goal.

Lowering readmissions can strengthen trust and confidence in your organization and may lead to increased referrals from hospitals. Additionally, some providers have been able to negotiate payment with private payors.

Achieving the Distinction in Clinical Respiratory Patient Management confirms your organization’s dedication to delivering consistent, quality care with a collaborative, team-based approach to assessment, ongoing treatment, disease management, and education.

Contact ACHC to learn more about this distinction.

*Based on Nexus program outcomes data results for May 2024. 

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