Archive: November 2008
Repercussions sink in
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
Shell-shocked providers spent the first days of November picking through the rubble of what is left of Medicare oxygen reimbursement.
Providers had been waiting for guidance on the 36-month oxygen cap for most of the year, but even those who said they were prepared for the worst were stunned.
“We are expected to take care of these patients whenever they want us to for free,” said Joan Cross, co-owner of Bradenton, Fla.-based C&C Medical Services, who estimates about 50% of her patients...
REQ marks milestone
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
Manchester, N.H.-based Rehab Equipment Associates (REQ) celebrated 25 years of determination and perseverance on Sept. 17 by letting loose with a festive event for staff, referral sources and clients.
“We had a strolling violinist and accordionist who could move around and play requested songs,” said Jan Soderquist, president. “We had a champagne fountain filled with sparkling cider and a chocolate fountain. Then our service technicians became chefs and cooked hamburgers and hot...
ResMed responds swiftly
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
POWAY, Calif.--Not all CPAP masks are created equal, and women with OSA have typically had limited options. Enter ResMed's Swift LT for Her, a smaller mask designed specifically for women introduced in October.
“This is a need that's been evolving,” said Hillary Theakston, director of communications. “As technology gets more advanced, we are peeling back the layers to see how sleep products can be improved.”
An independent poll on talkaboutsleep.com revealed that 90% of...
Medicaid invites association to the table
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Medical Equipment Suppliers Association (WVMESA) has sought a better relationship with the state's Medicaid program, and it looks like it's going to get it.
In recent written correspondence, Medicaid indicated that drafts of its policy manual will now be routed through WVMESA to allow its board of directors or general membership to comment on proposed changes. The last time WVMESA was given such an opportunity was in 2006 when Medicaid revised the entire manual....
VGM hits the road
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa--The VGM Group will embark on another national competitive bidding road trip in 2009, it announced in October. “Competitive Bidding Round 1.2: The Rules Have Changed” will hit 11 cities in March through May. The one-day seminars cost $229 for VGM and state association members, and $279 for all others.
Provider calls for action
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Sam Jarczynski wondered recently if the respiratory medication provider has become the forgotten stepchild of the HME industry.
In October, the president of RxStat and AAHomecare member sent the association a letter requesting that it study the neb-med market, including Medicare reimbursement for the drugs.
Ever since 2006, when Medicare began paying for neb-meds using average sales pricing (ASP) plus a $33 dispensing fee, providers have struggled.
“From a business...
Apria merger nears completion
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
LAKE FOREST, Calif.--Apria Healthcare shareholders have approved a merger with Sky Acquisition LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, the provider announced Oct. 10. The parties are expected to complete the merger in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Oxygen remains stationary
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
Although oxygen technology and portable systems continue to advance and make gains in market share, standard stationary units remain the main source of revenue for respiratory providers.
Manufacturers report that stationary systems, above all others, still comprise the bulk of the oxygen business, with approximately 85% of Medicare claims.
“While there are many companies currently positioning themselves with portable units, the ratio continues to lean to the stationary units,” said...
New guidelines knock wind out of providers
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--The HME industry's worst fears were realized on Oct. 31 when CMS released long-awaited guidance for providing oxygen after the 36-month cap.
For patients who cap out Jan. 1, providers must continue to provide emergency services, as well as supplies, accessories and repairs, for no further payments for the “useful five-year life of the equipment,” CMS states.
“Once again, CMS is discounting the level of service that providers now furnish to their patients for their...
Industry rallies at Medtrade
November 30, 2008HME News Staff
ATLANTA--The HME industry may have numerous cuts and fraud charges to deal with, but challenges create opportunities, said five industry panelists during a jam-packed keynote address at Medtrade. The panelists, led by AAHomecare CEO Tyler Wilson, discussed a wide range of topics, but they kept returning to this message: With health care in the spotlight, the industry has a chance to prove, once and for all, its value to CMS, Congress and beneficiaries.