Market Access: Payer and Reimbursement Strategy and Network Development
Aspen Consulting Service specializes in transforming large amounts of healthcare data into analytic and economic insight. With over 25 years of industry experience, Aspen’s expertise is in making healthcare data relevant & actionable through customized solutions.
A primary capability area for Aspen is in leveraging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Limited Data Sets to conduct extensive research & generate business insights. CMS offers quarterly and annual claims datasets across multiple places of service (outpatient, inpatient, office, DME, etc.); however, the process of obtaining this data can be tedious. Furthermore, once businesses obtain these datasets, having the expertise to ingest, analyze, and summarize this data can be challenging.
Our Approach
Preliminary Discussion
Initially, Aspen consultants will work with the client on understanding the needs of their business to help form the Medicare proposal. Aspen will make recommendations as to which CMS datasets will be required, as well as the frequency of updates required (quarterly or annual updates). Furthermore, during this conversation, Aspen will make hardware recommendations to ensure data can be easily processed once received.
Data Ingest
Once approved, Aspen will then guide the client through the dataset ETL process and apply testing & QA standards to ensure data is ready for analysis.
Data Analysis
Depending on the client’s needs, Aspen consultants will conduct extensive research on the topic of interest, which may include health economic modeling on a specific disease, prevalence rates for a target conditions, product impact on Medicare costs, hospital and provider usage reporting, and competitive insight across the US.
Medicare Application
Aspen will then draft an application for obtaining these Medicare Limited Data Sets, which includes a white paper research proposal designed to benefit the Medicare system (which is a requirement to obtain this data), as well as designate users and custodians of the data during the engagement.
Medicare NPI & 855 Filings
We regularly assist clients with preparing and advising on Medicare provider enrollment forms for Part A and Part B providers and DMEPOS suppliers, as well as enrollment and reassignment for individual practitioners. Our practice includes working with new providers on completing and tracking enrollment applications in state Medicaid programs and assisting existing providers on change of information or change of ownership filings. In addition, we can help providers navigate applying for NPIs, revalidations, and maintaining accurate enrollment records.
Summary & Recommendations
Aspen consultants will provide standard reporting, economic models, and recommendations based on level of engagement & client needs.
DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation Process
All DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) suppliers must obtain accreditation prior to being awarded a contract under the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program.
Aspen Consulting Service specializes in obtaining this mandatory accreditation by working closely with Accreditation Organizations (AOs) and the DMEPOS supplier to maintain a successful, streamlined process.
During the engagement, Aspen Consulting Service works with the DMEPOS supplier in selecting an appropriate Accreditation Organization, writing the 48 policies and procedures required for approval from the Accreditation Organization, which span all areas of the supplier’s organization (Human Resources, Finance, Billing, Retail Services, etc.), and assist in preparing for the unannounced onsite survey. Once approved through accreditation, Aspen Consulting Service will continue to work with DMEPOS suppliers in completing the Medicare enrollment process and becoming a Medicare approved vendor.
1
Select an accreditation organization approved by CMS
*The organization will verify whether or not applicants meet the standards, including compliance with federal and state licensure requerimets.
2
Submit application and required documents to the organization
*The organization will review the application and documentation, which can take about 4 to 6 months.
3
Pass the survey conducted at applicant’s place of operation
*The organization will visit the applicant’s place of operation unannounced to conduct a survey and report the accreditation to the National Supplier Clearinghouse.
4
Complete Medicare enrollment forms with the CMS
*A form from the CMS website will need to be filled out and submitted.
5
Purchase a DMEPOS surety bond
*Suppliers must obtain a $50,000 bond for each location at which they operate, and the bonds must be submitted to the Supplier Clearinghouse.
Navigating the Complexities of Medicare Reimbursement
At Aspen Consulting, we help healthcare innovators successfully navigate the complex and highly regulated Medicare reimbursement landscape. We provide strategic guidance that aligns clinical evidence, regulatory expectations, and payment policy. Our team specializes in identifying the most efficient pathways to Medicare coverage, evaluating evidence readiness, designing targeted studies, developing coding and payment strategies, and preparing organizations for productive engagement with MAC Medical Directors.
We work with medical device manufacturers, life science companies, and emerging technologies to secure appropriate coverage and equitable reimbursement for new services and products. Our consulting approach integrates deep regulatory knowledge with practical insights from inside the Medicare system, enabling us to anticipate payer concerns, craft compelling reimbursement narratives, and support clients through every stage of the process—from HCPCS or CPT strategy to coverage analysis, pricing advocacy, MAC engagement, and claims education. Whether a company is seeking initial market access or striving to expand existing coverage, Aspen Consulting delivers the expertise and direction needed to succeed within Medicare’s evolving environment.
Our Team
Deborah Dean
Chief Government & Strategic Growth Officer
Deborah Dean is a highly respected technology executive with more than 25 years’ experience in the healthcare industry and extensive C-level expertise in market access, operations, technology, data integration, analytics, applications development, informatics and technical infrastructure.
Most recently she served on the Board of Glytec, Additionally, she has served in leadership roles such as Chief Analytics and Technology Officer at BioIQ (acquired by Let’s Get Checked), a healthcare engagement and gap closure company that is redefining the way payers, employers and consumers navigate and connect with the U.S. healthcare system, and Executive Vice President at MiMedx, President and Chief Operating Officer at HolaDoctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology officer at Matria Healthcare, and Senior Vice President of Research at Quovadx, Inc. (now Lawson software).
In 2008, she received the prestigious CIO of the Year Award from the Georgia CIO Leadership Association. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Arkansas State University.
Travis Tucker
Chief Data Scientist
Travis Tucker is a senior healthcare analytics and health economics consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting healthcare organizations and life sciences companies with real-world evidence, claims-based analytics, and economic evaluation.
He specializes in translating complex data into actionable insights that inform reimbursement strategy, value assessment, and executive decision-making. His work includes comparative effectiveness analyses, episode-of-care modeling, and outcomes research, with particular depth in wound care, biologics, medical devices, and population health.
Travis holds an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School with concentrations in Marketing and Decision Science, an MA in Quantitative Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, and a BA in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He is frequently engaged as a senior, on-demand resource to augment internal teams during analytically complex or high-impact initiatives.
Shane R. Mull, MD, MHA, FAAFP, CPC
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Shane Mull is a board-certified family medicine physician and nationally recognized expert in Medicare pricing, billing, coding, coverage, and claims. With more than two decades of clinical experience and a deep understanding of federal reimbursement policy, he brings a rare combination of frontline medical insight and high-level regulatory expertise to the healthcare innovation space.
Dr. Mull previously served as a Senior Medical Director for a Medicare Administrative Contractor, where he was responsible for evaluating clinical evidence, guiding pricing decisions, shaping coverage policies, and interpreting federal regulations that directly impact provider reimbursement. In this role, he gained extensive experience assessing new and emerging technologies, determining appropriate coding pathways, and advising on strategies to support equitable payment under Medicare’s statutory framework. His work also included leading physician teams, collaborating with CMS, and supporting consistent policy implementation across jurisdictions.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Mull now serves as a healthcare consultant specializing in Medicare reimbursement strategy, payment policy, and medical innovation. He works closely with medical device companies, life science organizations, and healthcare innovators to help them navigate the complex Medicare landscape. His consulting practice focuses on evidence development, coding and payment strategy, MAC engagement, regulatory positioning, and the translation of clinical value into durable reimbursement pathways. Dr. Mull is known for his ability to bridge the gap between clinical practice, regulatory expectations, and the operational realities of Medicare claims, making him a trusted partner for organizations seeking coverage and fair payment for novel technologies.
Dr. Mull holds a BS/BA from the College of Charleston, an MHA from the Medical University of South Carolina, and an MD from the University of South Carolina. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Certified Professional Coder. In addition to his civilian career, he is a retired U.S. Army National Guard Colonel, bringing leadership, discipline, and mission-focused execution to every engagement.
Mariela Silva
Director of Vendor Management and Procurement
Mariela Silva is the Director of Vendor Management and Procurement at Aspen Consulting Service. She leads vendor onboarding and supports ongoing vendor operations, tracking timelines, deliverables, and documentation to keep work organized and moving forward. She partners across teams to help ensure vendor workflows align with internal policies and compliance requirements.
With 20 years of experience in management and operations, Mariela brings a strong background in day-to-day operational tracking, vendor coordination, invoice review, and process improvement.
Mariela is known for proactive communication, attention to detail, and building repeatable operational standards that support efficient
execution.
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