Archive: February 2003
Clinically speaking
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
SAN DIEGO - The long suspected causal link between hypertension and sleep disordered breathing both weakened and strengthened in new studies published in leading clinical journals in January.
In Circulation, a peer review journal published by the American Heart Association, a study conducted in Germany and Australia showed that effective CPAP therapy can reduce blood pressure by 10 mm of mercury. Lowering blood pressure by that amount can cut coronary heart disease risk by 37% and stroke risk by...
Permobil’s Jernigan blends political and advocacy roles
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
Add Darren Jernigan's name to the burgeoning roster of government affairs liaisons in the HME industry.
Just don't consider him to be another face in the crowd.
Though barely in his 30s, the new policy specialist for Lebanon, Tenn.-based Permobil has proven himself to be a quick study and already shows broad context on political issues. Who else but a diehard political junkie would readily quote obscure politicians like early 20th century President William Howard Taft?
In describing his approach...
Briefs
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
OSA, obesity share common genes
BOSTON - Obstructive sleep apnea has long been linked to couch potatoes but researchers have now identified a genetic link between bulging bellies and a lousy night's sleep. Researchers did not identify specific genes, but found areas of the genome associated with apnea and obesity. The relationship between apnea and health problems, however, is more complicated than genetics. Often, one condition exacerbates another, and weight loss is often enough to reverse OSA,...
Legal
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
Q. What are the “realities” for HME suppliers who are subject to retrospective Medicaid audits?
A. There are at least two crucial “realities” for HME suppliers subject to Medicaid audits: (1) If auditors can show that suppliers either knew about or should have known about a pattern of conduct, the audit results may have serious consequences. Saying “I didn't know” or having good intentions are not enough. In other words, suppliers have an obligation to be vigilant...
The beat goes on - even if Legend Healthcare doesn’t
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
SHARON HILL, Pa. - Managed care network Legend Healthcare filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation) 11 months ago and appears to have dried up and blown away. Its phones don't work, information has no listing, and its Web site is kaput. Top execs are rumored to be working at different companies.
Unfortunately, at least one provider and a beneficiary are wrestling in the mess and bad feelings Legend left behind.
The provider, Advance Home Oxygen & Medical Supply of Annapolis, Md., belonged to the...
PB lightens CPAP to 1.5 lbs.
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
PLEASANTON, Calif. - As with laptop computers, cell phones and oxygen concentrators, the quest to make smaller and lighter without sacrificing function has not been lost on manufacturers of CPAPs.
This month, Puritan Bennett (PB) expects to start shipping what it claims is the lightest CPAP on the market. At 1.54 lbs., the GoodKnight 420 is about half the weight of rival lightweight CPAPs.
That drop in weight coupled with the unit's 3-inch width, says PB, is bound to make traveling with CPAP easier....
ALJ vindicates bankrupt HME
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
RALEIGH, N.C. - Almost four years and thousands of dollars later, Paul Smith can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
After a long legal battle with Palmetto GBA, the Medicare carrier for Region C, an administrative law judge heard Smith's appeal in January and overruled the decision claiming he owed the Medicare carrier more than $71,000. Palmetto now has 60 days upon the decision to appeal or pay Smith $12,500 for the claims approved after his suspension.
“I feel vindicated,” said the...
Millions for preventative education: No big deal, providers say
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A $125 million proposal designed to provide U.S. cities and states with additional funding to help prevent illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and asthma hopes to open America's eyes to prevention methods of healthcare and cut costs on the millions spent each year on treatment.
But while industry suppliers believe it will provide opportunities for prevention education programs and may eventually reduce the cost of treatment over time, many feel it's a long road and will depend...
J&J rolls out manual wheelchair
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
WARREN, N.J. - After a 20-year plus absence from the wheelchair market, Johnson & Johnson will re-enter the industry this month when it starts shipping its new iGlide manual assist wheelchair.
The former parent company of Invacare plans to do more than manufacture the iGlide. Through its Independence Technology subsidiary, J&J is also building a sales force and a North Carolina-based reimbursement team to reach end-users and negotiate funding for its new $7,900 chair.
Using sensors and microprocessors,...
Praxair acquires N.Y. provider
February 28, 2003HME News Staff
NYACK, N.Y. - Industrial gas giant Praxair added to its HME holdings last month when it acquired Respiratory Care Plus.
Terms of the deal were not released.
President Jan Fisher started Respiratory Care about 15 years ago and grew the company to between $6 million and $7 million in revenue, according to industry watchers.
Praxair officials declined to discuss the acquisition.
Praxair's long-range HME strategy is to acquire healthy companies in regions where it already has a strong industrial...