Archive: December 2008
HME remains reform target
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--The call for change was a key component of the recent elections, but parts of a universal healthcare plan issued in mid-November sounded like the same old song to industry stakeholders.
In his “Call to Action,” Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., advocates shifting “the focus from institutional care to services provided in the home and community” as a way to control costs and improve quality of care. But in the next breath, he hails national competitive bidding as a means...
Cap provision gives hope
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
BALTIMORE --Recently released guidance on the 36-month oxygen cap may contain a silver lining for providers, at least those with long-term patients.
On pages 846 and 847 of the guidance, Medicare states that, after five years from the day of setup, providers can supply oxygen patients with new equipment and bill Medicare for another three years.
That's music to the ears of Lee Guay, a coordinator for Apex of St. Peters in Helena, Mont. Thanks to the provision, 40 oxygen patients who he thought were...
What gives?
December 31, 2008Mike Moran
Drumline divx Only a few dozen comments were submitted on the recent guidance for the 36-month oxygen cap by the Dec. 29 deadline, industry stakeholders reported this week. That's despite numerous pleas from AAHomecare, The VGM Group, NAIMES and other industry stakeholders. What gives? If providers are "freaking out," as one industry stakeholder put it, why didn't more of them submit comments? What better way for providers to send a message to CMS that they think this policy stinks? What better...
Sales
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
Q. What advice can you give me to sell during these tough times?
A. Be upbeat. Your customers are having the life sucked out of them everywhere they turn, and they're looking for relief. With your positive attitude and your genuine concern for them, you can provide a needed breath of fresh air. Approach every encounter with your customers with this intention: I'm going to leave every business better than before I got there. If you do, you will be admired, respected and rewarded with business opportunities....
Appointee adds dash of hope
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--Industry stakeholders describe Tom Daschle, president-elect Barack Obama's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, as the right man for the job.
“I think he appreciates the value home care adds to the healthcare system,” said Seth Johnson, vice president of government affairs for Pride Mobility Products.
Upon his confirmation, Daschle, a former Senate majority leader, will replace Michael Leavitt, the current secretary of HHS.
Since leaving the Senate...
Invacare enjoys ratings boost
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio--Standard & Poor's raised its ratings for Invacare in November, including its corporate credit rating to “B+” from “B.” The upgrade reflects Invacare's success in restructuring its North American/Home Medical Equipment division, streamlining operations and significantly reducing costs, the report states.
NRRTS woos users with scholarships
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
TRINIDAD, Colo. --NRRTS has a plan to boost the number of consumers who attend this year's Complex Rehab Education and Legislative Forum (CELA): scholarships.
NRRTS announced last month that it would provide matching funds to complex rehab providers who bring consumers to CELA. NRRTS, with support from the event's sponsors, will contribute up to $500 for each consumer's travel and lodging expenses and provide free registration to participating consumers and providers.
“Money is really tight...
ActiveForever gets interactive
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. --ActiveForever, a provider of DME, supplies and physical and exercise therapy equipment, has opened a showroom here that allows Internet customers to access live demos with in-store staff.
“The showroom is outfitted with network cameras,” said Erika Feinberg, CEO. “All of our customer service counselors have wireless headsets so they can stay on the phone with the customer, walk over to the product, hold it up to the camera and show the person how it works and...
Senior’s success
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
TEXARKANA, Texas--Senior Respiratory Solutions added nearly 11,000 new neb-med patients in November, acquiring them from providers like Praxair and HME Services.
“With little or no margin in drug reimbursement, most small to mid-sized independent pharmacy operations are finding it very difficult to remain profitable, competitive and compliant,” said Dave McDonald, president.
Since 2006, when Medicare began paying for the drugs using an average sales price (ASP) plus a $33 dispensing...
Disabled riders injured on buses
December 31, 2008HME News Staff
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--At least four power wheelchair and scooter users have been injured on Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) buses during the past year, according to a recent article in the Traverse City Record Eagle. The BATA planned to offer additional training for drivers and talk to special needs riders.