Archive: March 2003
Quantum Rehab rolls rear wheels
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
EXETER, Pa. - Quantum Rehab, as it gradually acquires the trappings of an across the board high-end rehab manufacturer, will cruise past another milestone this month when the company begins shipping the Vibe, its first built-for-the-masses rear-wheel drive power chair.
Quantum already makes a rear-wheel drive, the Blast, but that chair targets a select, high-end market. The Vibe's power base is a simpler proposition, more accommodating and weighs in at an accessible price point.
“The goal...
Manufacturers push safety as lift chair business booms
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
Manufacturers are listening to their providers' feedback and investing in research and development as recent technology advancements and a new generation of consumers bring a surge to the seat lift chair market.
Although the industry took a hit years ago when Medicare reduced its coverage for seat lift chairs, causing clinical referrals to almost disappear, manufacturers say the industry has not suffered and, in fact, has seen an increase in sales due to the baby-boomer generation.
“Our lift...
HIPAA
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - It looks like some private insurers are ratcheting back reimbursement and pointing to HIPAA as their reason for doing so.
“I'm hearing a lot of these complaints, and it's something that is an unintended consequence of HIPAA, and we're going to have to look at ways to address it, whether it is through the association or through individual companies dealing directly with their managed care (customers),” said Asela Cuervo, sr. vp of government relations at AAHomecare.
Payers...
Medtrade Spring blooms in Las Vegas
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
LAS VEGAS - Â Medtrade Spring attendance jumped 18% last year, and is poised for another gain this year - and with good reason, said Cory Smith, group show director for VNU Expositions
“Operating and managing an HME business has never been more difficult or complicated,” Smith said. “The need for the Medtrades and having a mid-year event is greater than it has ever been.”
VNU Expositions looks for 5,500 to attend May 6-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (5,000+...
Permobil files
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A bill proposing to protect Tennessee providers and consumers of wheeled mobility devices from unqualified dealers has been filed with the state legislature.
Drafted by Permobil and revised by a focus group comprised of providers, manufacturers, licensed therapists and consumer representatives, HB 0669 was filed with the state in late February. The group has worked on the language since September and is currently seeking support.
“Anyone can do an evaluation with a wink...
Supreme Court could nullify 'Any Willing Provider'
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The constitutionality of Any Willing Provider laws is currently undergoing the ultimate litmus test: The United States Supreme Court.
After hearing oral arguments in January, the nation's high court is expected to rule on the AWP bellwether case Kentucky Association of Health Plans v. Miller by July. If justices rule in favor of the plaintiff, HME providers across the country could instantly be shut out of managed care contracts. It would ostensibly cancel AWP laws on the books in...
‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and other old adages
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Think of the familiar inventory of sayings about beginning a new venture. The longest journey begins with a single step. Rome wasn't built in a day. Or: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Add to that “We'll see where it goes,” courtesy of Joel Holland, who received his first oxygen referral Feb. 18. A modest start, to be sure, but don't think Holland's content counting his population of oxygen patients on one finger. He's shooting for 100 over the next...
Briefs
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
Diabetic supplies come under attack
WASHINGTON - The American Diabetes Association began lobbying Washington lawmakers last month to not cut Medicaid benefits for people with diabetes. In attempting to provide “flexibility” to states, the Bush Administration has proposed a restructuring of Medicaid that would give state Medicaid administrators the authority to end coverage for diabetes supplies, medications, equipment and services. The American Diabetes Association believes that the elimination...
Air Products expands into Mid West
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
CONSHOCKEN, Pa. - American Homecare Supply, the HME arm of industrial gas giant Air Products, flexed its muscle last month and acquired DependiCare, a $17 million, four-location Illinois provider. The deal was AHS's third in a matter of weeks and marks the company's first foray into the Mid West.
For DependiCare, the deal allows it to join a company with deep pockets that is committed to growing its HME business. It also allows some older Dependicare shareholders to cash out their investment, Millersaid...
‘Robot’ dispenses meds, saves time
March 31, 2003HME News Staff
WALLACE, N.C. - The old Jetsons television cartoon may not have featured a drug store in its fanciful depictions of life in the future, but if George ever had to pick up some meds, the pharmacist he visited might have looked something like the robot Italo Vanoletti installed in his store here recently.
Distributed by McKesson, the AutoScript III robot at Hi-Mediq pharmacy is a smart mechanical arm that picks pills from any of the hundreds of cells that slide out of a surrounding cabinet. The arm...