Archive: March 2006
Pennsylvania provider receives not-so-rude reception
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
I read your article regarding the HME provider who visited her congressman (See "Provider receives rude reception" HME News March 2006). I just wanted to share with you my experience with my local congressman, Rep. Timothy Murphy, R-Pa. When I called Murphy's office and asked for an appointment to discuss the Deficit Reduction Act and competitive bidding, they asked that I e-mail specific information to them prior to the meeting. I did. At the meeting, Murphy and his two aides were willing to listen...
New rule: Providers are still in the dark
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - CMS released a transmittal March 10 with some new guidance for power mobility device claims, but once again, the document failed to address the industry's biggest concern with the agency's new rule.
"This is helpful, but is it what we were looking for?" asked Cara Bachenheimer, vice president of government relations for Invacare. "No. We're really looking for more details on physician documentation requirements."
The industry has waited for guidance from CMS since late December, when...
Invacare plans 600 layoffs over 3 years
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio - In an effort to counter Medicare reimbursement cuts for some of its bread-and-butter products, including power wheelchairs and oxygen equipment, Invacare unveiled a plan last month to cut costs by about $30 million over the next few years. During this time, the company expects a global reduction of at least 600 positions and to exit a number of its manufacturing operations worldwide. During 2006, Invacare will eliminate approximately 300 jobs. The move will save the company about $8...
Let freedom, not price, ring
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
The article "Downward Pricing: How Low Can It Go?" (See HME News February 2006) provided a useful look at retail trends, but it seemed to suggest that product selection and value-added features somehow suffer when prices for HME products like rollators are (relatively) low. In reality, providing consumers with easy availability and affordable HME is simply good business that's made possible through innovation in design and an efficient supply chain. The industry should unite behind the idea that...
Bush sets sights on PWC cap
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - When President Bush presented his FY2007 budget to Congress Feb. 1, it was deja vu for the rehab industry. The budget includes language that threatens to eliminate first-month purchases for power wheelchairs.
The industry escaped a similar fate late last year. A Medicare/Medicaid spending package originally included comparable language, setting off a flurry of lobbying activity. Spurred by the industry, six senators crafted an amendment to drop the language from the bill.
Now the industry...
NRRTS eyes 'bigger impact'
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
LAGO VISTA, Texas - The National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) has launched an ad campaign that promotes the benefits of working with the organization's registrants.
The campaign, targeted toward referral sources and insurance companies, comprises five different ads. The first debuted in the winter edition of the NRRTS newsletter. Up next: The ads will appear in various trade publications. The ads will be combined in a poster that NRRTS plans to distribute to a mailing list...
MAC transition hits snag
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Medicare's transition from the DMERCs to the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs)--scheduled to occur July 1--has hit a pothole that could delay the transfer of claims processing, customer service and other administrative tasks.
Current Region D DMERC, Cigna Government Services, bid on the MAC contracts for Regions D and C but lost both bids. Palmetto GBA won the Region C bid. Noridian Administrative Services won the Region D bid and replaced Cigna.
Cigna has protested the awarding...
Stark laws scare away some HMEs
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
YARMOUTH, Maine - With the sleep market booming, HME-owned sleep labs would seem to be a dream fit for CPAP providers, but that's not always the case.
Don White, president of Associated Healthcare Systems in Amherst, N.Y. operated a successful sleep lab for nearly 10 years but sold it in 2000, despite it running at a three-month backlog.
"The lab made money every year it was open," said White.
But the company didn't want to run afoul of Stark laws prohibiting self-referral from lab to company for...
Great service begins at the top
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
Q. As Medicare reimbursement cuts once again force the HME industry to tighten its belt, how can providers continue to maintain a high level of customer service?
A. There is no better time to focus on the customer than when times are changing, reimbursement is shrinking and there is competition to contend with. As the competition talks about cutting back service, think of the many ways that you can enhance what you offer and still not sacrifice the profit margin needed to operate the business. The...
Golden ramps up training
March 31, 2006HME News Staff
OLD FORGE, Pa. - Golden Technologies has always taken employee training seriously, but recently the company kicked it up a notch.
In February, Golden opened a standalone training center just down the road from its factory here. The facility displays every product Golden makes--roughly 30 lift chairs and a wide-array of fabrics, nine scooter models, three power wheelchair models, two adjustable beds and the company's new Spectrum Seating line (see related story).
"When I want someone to understand...