hme news

ST. LOUIS - Who knew Responsive Respiratory was so hip?

Respiratory providers intent on being successful in the oxygen market must be assertive when pursuing business opportunities in today's environment, which can mean making tough choices, taking new risks, and changing conventional methods. With a heavy load of regulatory and reimbursement challenges blocking the path to prosperity, providers need to formulate some bold strategies to circumvent these barriers, oxygen manufacturers say.

A recent press release from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services trumpets recoveries from audits of "about" $222 million between October 2010 and March 2011. According to the Inspector General, the recoveries are the result of a "period of intense activities" on the part of the OIG and others. Not a single HME provider will dispute that there have been and continue to be "intense activities" in the audit arena, so it is not surprising that the government recovered that much money in a period of only six months.

We hear a lot, in this industry, about how lawmakers target HME for cuts, because it's low-hanging fruit.

What's the role of the HME industry in how Medicare can save money? Is it low hanging fruit for future cuts, or a vital member of the care coordination team, which balances the needs of patients, providers and payers?

"I have saved up enough pills to kill myself," a neighbor told me, "if I ever have to go to Centre Crest."

With Medicare costs rising, baby boomers coming of age and beneficiaries struggling to remain in their homes, DMEPOS plays an ever-important role in Medicare spending. Our industry is at greater risk in terms of budget cuts than ever before. Everyone's agenda is "cut costs and reduce spending."

When the winning bid amounts for mail order diabetes supplies were announced in the Round 1 re-bid, the industry was shocked by the average cut of 56%, compared to an average cut of 32% across all product categories.

When it comes to crafting a bid for mail order diabetes, providers will have to factor in a widely variable cost: shipping.

BOOTH 714 - Elyria, Ohio-based Invacare is celebrating the "amazing work" HME providers do for their clients with a new campaign called "Making Life's Experiences Possible" at Medtrade this year.