Archive: August 2003
Sentara injects new ideas into infusion market
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
CHESAPEAKE, Va. - As it observes its 20th anniversary, Sentara Home Care is taking some time to reflect on its first two decades in business. For the most part though, they are focused on what they need to do to be around for the next 20 years.
The company, which offers hospice, skilled nursing, private duty nursing, durable medical equipment, pharmacy and infusion services, has a built up a head of steam going into its third decade. Since 1995, the hospital-affiliated enterprise has grown its annual...
Why support the Senate bill... Because
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
When I opened the August 2003 issue of the HME News this afternoon, I was shocked to see Kay Cox's picture with the quote, “health care is a business with a mission. It's not a commodity we can afford to cut. Any time there is a cut, it hurts patients and their families.” [See profile] Does she read her AAHomecare president's memorandums? She has been calling for our industry to support a seven-year CPI freeze. AAHomecare has also been supporting a required accreditation provision. AAHomecare...
Deal puts Invacare message on truck fleet
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
Elyria, Ohio- Invacare's new shipping contract with All Pro Freight System could translate into increased sales and new customers for Invacare suppliers.
As part of a 5-year deal signed with the trucking company, Invacare received 20 free advertisements, which will appear on the sides of All Pro trucks.
" The real intent behind this is to increase awareness for the Invacare brand and the products we manufacture," Susan Elder, Invacare's director of marketing communications, said.
The ads will...
Politics
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
More than just NCB
With Kay Cox
Q. In the current Medicare debate, the DME industry has been focused on the bill's competitive bidding provision, and rightly so. But, have there been any developments on other provisions that affect our profession, such as regulatory reform?
A. Although the final reconciled version of the Medicare bill known as the ‘conference report' is not expected until late September, at the earliest, the H.R.1/S.1 conferees have come to agreement on some portions of the Medicare...
Two associations join forces, form ADC
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. and CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Two nascent rehab associations have decided to join forces and create a separate, non-profit organization called the American Disability Coalition (ADC).
Permobil's National Rehab Credentialling Association (NRCA) and National Seating & Mobility's Coalition for Professional Rehab (CPR) are now working together under the leadership of Darren Jernigan, who has been named executive director of ADC.
“We're now a consumer-driven organization with two missions:...
Legal
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
New HIPAA pointers
With Corrine Parver
Q. What new guidance is HHS offering for DMEPOS companies regarding implementation of HIPAA's transactions and code sets standards?
A. As explained in a July 24 HHS “Guidance,” CMS will focus on obtaining “voluntary compliance” and use a “complaint-driven approach” for enforcing these provisions. Starting Oct. 16, when CMS receives a complaint, the agency is expected to notify the covered entity in writing that a complaint...
Caire’s parent files Chapter 11
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
CLEVELAND - Although Chart Industries, the parent company of liquid oxygen manufacturer Caire, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, officials say the filing is simply a means of restructuring debt and that Caire is both profitable and growing.
The company plans to re-emerge from bankruptcy sometime last month. In the meantime, the company's senior lenders are exchanging debt for equity.
At the re-emergence, the lenders will retain a 95% equity stake. Current shareholders will hold on to 5% with...
Lexington suits rural HME
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Two years ago, Cooley Medical Equipment said enough is enough.
For ages the company watched as patients in the rural communities it served travel to Lexington for specialized medical care. Nothing wrong with that except frequently the patients returned home with a piece of DME - items Cooley could have easily provided. That got company execs thinking about opening a location in the big city.
So two years ago Cooley took its DME smarts to Lexington, and there's been no looking back....
Financial
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
Is 10 days too long?
With Tom Pryor
Q. I am frustrated by how long it takes to get my monthly accounting reports. Should it take 10 days after a month's end to receive the prior month's profit and loss statement? What is best practice?
A. You have a right to be frustrated. While most HME businesses take seven to 10 calendar days to close the books, best practice organizations take only two to three days. Time saved can be used to clean up the balance sheet, analyze product line profitability or...
Briefs
August 31, 2003HME News Staff
DSM association supports House Medicare reform
WASHINGTON - While the HME industry has lobbied hard against the House Medicare reform bill, which calls for competitive bidding and increased privatization, there's at least one niche within the market that has embraced it: the Disease Management Association of America (DMAA). There's good reason for DMAA's support: The proposed legislation would not only provide prescription drug benefits to U.S. seniors but also offer disease state management benefits....