Archive: June 2009
Avoid red flags
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
Q. How do I comply with the Federal Trade Commission's new “Red Flags Rule,” which goes into effect Aug. 1?
A. This rule is based on the perception that healthcare providers may have opportunities in their day-to-day operations to discover the “red flags” of identity theft. Some healthcare providers, therefore, may be subject to this rule, which requires that providers develop identity theft prevention programs.
Your organization is required to comply with the Red Flags Rule...
'Scooters have always been appealing to the cash-paying customer'
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
There's no room for pessimism in the scooter market these days. Despite negativity toward Medicare, the retail market for scooters is encouraging positive signs, manufacturers contend.
“Scooters have always been appealing to the cash-paying customer,” said Cy Corgan, national sales director, retail mobility, for Exeter, Pa.-based Pride Mobility Products. “Many able-bodied individuals purchase scooters to allow them more freedom on a daily basis and increase their level of independence....
Lawmaker seeks increased OSA awareness
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., introduced a bill recently that seeks to increase awareness of sleep apnea. H.R. 384, which has been referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee, states that sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans, including one in 10 people over the age of 65. Rep. Mike Honda, D-Calif., has also been a vocal supporter of sleep apnea awareness and research, according to Ed Grandi, executive director of the American Sleep Apnea Association. The association has...
Field report
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
At least one large provider is going against the grain and providing more liquid oxygen to patients, sources say.
This provider allegedly seeks out patients who are in the two-year period between their monthly oxygen reimbursement capping out after three years and their receiving new equipment at five years. The provider sets up patients on liquid oxygen and bills Medicare $150 per month - $75 to refill their stationary units and another $75 to refill their portable units.
“They're working...
Cost savings drive growth
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
MURRYSVILLE, Pa.-It's no secret why more and more patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) are being transferred to the home. It makes dollars and sense.
The most expensive setting for PMV is an acute care hospital at $6,000 a day. That's followed by long term acute care, $2,000 a day; skilled nursing facility, $450 to $750 a day; and finally home care, where costs vary, depending on the need for home nursing, said Christine Cunningham, a respiratory therapist with 19 years of...
CSI:HME investigates provider concerns
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
MARTINEZ, Ga.--Independent HMEs consider competitive bidding a more pressing issue than repealing the 36-month oxygen cap, according to a new survey by the Committee to Save Independent HME Suppliers (CSI: HME).
The newly formed organization will use the survey results to prioritize its advocacy efforts on behalf of independent providers, said David Petsch, CSI:HME's managing director.
Of the 242 people who responded to the poll, 111 listed repealing national competitive bidding as most important;...
Otto Bock puts $1.5M toward O&P
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
MINNEAPOLIS--Otto Bock HealthCare has partnered with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to establish the Max Nader Laboratory to advance the outcomes of prosthetic and orthotic devices, allowing amputees to regain their mobility, the manufacturer announced in June. Otto Bock has made a five-year commitment of $1.5 million. The lab is named after Dr. Max Nader, who led Otto Bock until 1990.
Liquid oxygen:
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
YARMOUTH, Maine--Providers are even more reluctant to service patients who use liquid oxygen systems under the new 36-month cap, they reported recently.
Some providers say they're now turning away new patients on liquid oxygen. As for existing patients: They're trying to switch them to other providers.
“We've given up some of our patients on liquid oxygen,” said Terry Luft, president of Central Medical Equipment in Harrisburg, Pa. “Bad business isn't good business.”
For years,...
Cape Medical SCORES award
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
SANDWICH, Mass.--Cape Medical Supply in June received a 2009 SCORE “Build a Better Mousetrap” award from its local Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes small businesses for leadership in philanthropy, management, growth, longevity and success/survival.
Obama: Hot on fraud
June 30, 2009HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--Two members of Obama's administration announced in late May the creation of a new interagency fraud effort, the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT). Attorney General Eric Holder and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that HEAT will focus on preventing fraud in the first place. Building on demo projects by HHS and CMS that focus on DME providers, initiatives will include increasing site visits to potential providers...