Archive: December 2006
'We haven't decided how we're going to handle it'
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - In the days after CMS implemented new codes, coverage criteria and pricing for power mobility devices, providers were still taking stock of how their businesses and patients may be affected.
"We tried to push out as many power wheelchairs as we could by Nov. 14," said Tyrrell Hunter, president of Majors Mobility in Scarborough and Topsham, Maine. "Anything new--we haven't decided how we're going to handle it yet."
CMS implemented the new policies Nov. 15. Before they went into effect,...
Bidding update: CMS selects accreditors
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - In early November, CMS released the names of 11 organizations that have secured the tall task of accrediting providers who want to participate in national competitive bidding in 2007. The agency's list of "deemed accrediting organizations" includes the usual suspects: JCAHO, CHAP, ACHC, HQAA and The Compliance Team.
It also includes a few unfamiliar faces, at least to the HME industry, namely the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation...
Ohio 'firm' on O2 cut
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state has proposed new coverage criteria for home oxygen therapy that contain both good and bad news for providers. The good news: The state no longer seeks to make oxygen a capped rental item. The bad news: It still seeks to cut reimbursement almost in half.
"We're still very much apart on reimbursement," said Kamela Yuricich, executive director of the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services, who met with state officials in late November to discuss the new coverage criteria....
FamilyMeds joins Toyota with onsite pharmacy operation
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
FARMINGTON, Conn. - FamilyMeds Group will open a worksite pharmacy at Toyota's new truck plant in San Antonio, Texas. The pharmacy will service Toyota workers, suppliers and dependents exclusively. This is the third such partnership for the specialty pharmacy and product supplier. Rees Pinney, senior vice president of worksite pharmacy, said the model is a natural outgrowth for FamilyMeds, which has traditionally located small pharmacies in or near medical buildings. "We've got years of experience...
Former HME triumphs
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - An appearance on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and "positive" discussions with fellow lawmakers put Congressman-elect David Davis, R-Tenn., on track for spreading "the homecare message."
"I heard over and over in Washington that we have to look at our social programs and health care falls under that," said Davis. "I think they are looking for people that have a fresh set of eyes and a healthcare background because it's such a large part of our budget."
The four-term state representative...
Association courts new finance committee chairman
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
HELENA, Mont. - U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., doesn't take over as chairman of the high profile and powerful Finance Committee until this month, but in early December, the state's HME association was already trying to get his ear.
Several members of the Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers were scheduled to speak with Baucus' staff during a Dec. 8 teleconference. Their goal: to familiarize the senator with home medical equipment and lobby him to support two bills, one that would repeal...
Short takes
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
he MEDIchair franchise in Burnaby, British Columbia, has new owners: The Mahedi Hirji family. More MEDIchair news: The franchise has expanded to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan...Two Lebanon, Pa., organizations plan to host another medical exchange in the early fall. During the last exchange, 200 people left with $50,000 worth of equipment. The Accessible Communities Today and Developmental and Disability Services of Lebanon Valley are collecting donations.
With CMS, right makes might
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
Does Medicare actually listen to provider protest? Given the uproar over the planned cuts to power mobility and CMS's rejiggering of the fee schedule, it would seem so.
The industry, not surprisingly, mounted a very vocal, very aggressive campaign that decried the cuts. The mainstream media picked up the baton on this one like we've never seen before.
Usually, threats by providers to close their doors go in one ear and out the other of Medicare officials. I remember talking to a DMERC official who...
Online provider wraps first year
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Customers placing an order with themedicalsupplydepot.com could find themselves dealing with President Meir Tsinman.
"I like to make sure that the customers are happy," said Tsinman, "not just sit back in my office."
The company celebrated its first anniversary Dec. 1 with a re-launch of its Web site, a new live assistance feature and a new e-gift card.
Themedicalsupplydepot.com offers more than 25,000 products, including incontinence and diabetic supplies, bath safety products...
Keep the pressure on lawmakers
December 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - A Congressional sea change has industry leaders cautiously optimistic that they can turn the political tide in their favor.
Tyler Wilson, AAHomecare's CEO, expects to see an emphasis on bipartisan approaches to healthcare solutions.
"Clearly you tend to play with the party in power, but it's in our interest to also cultivate our relationships with Republicans," said Wilson. "We have worked continuously to make sure we educate both sides of the aisle."
Smart lobbying means having feet...