Archive: July 2009
Oxygen letters continue to circulate
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
WASHINGTON--A letter signed by 70 lawmakers was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee June 16, asking its members to include oxygen reform language in healthcare reform legislation. The letter, circulated by Reps. Mike Ross, D-Ark., and Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., “is permanently open for signatures,” according to AAHomecare. On another front: H.R. 2373, a bill that would repeal the 36-month cap on Medicare oxygen reimbursement, has 61 co-sponsors, according to NAIMES.
Family ties at Mobility Designs
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
Mobility Designs strives to leave a good impression with every client, referral source and family member. Based on the rehab company's first runner-up finish in the 2009 HME Excellence Awards, it also left a good impression on the judges.
Specializing in pediatric rehab since its founding in 1985, Atlanta-based Mobility Designs has become part of the family for a number of clients, said Vice President Charlene Mitchell.
“We follow these children as they grow up,” she said. “They...
ATG Rehab fast tracks paperwork
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
ROCKY HILL, Conn.--ATG Rehab plans to arm all 70 of its rehab technology suppliers (RTSs) with customized tablet PCs by the end of the year, after beta testing showed the technology significantly increased their productivity.
As part of RTS Express, about 30 of ATG's RTSs already use the tablet PCs to complete documentation in the field and upload it wirelessly. As a result, RTSs like Brian Edwards now provide wheelchairs - from evaluation to delivery - in about 65 days. (The industry average, by...
Industry stages extreme makeover
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
ATLANTA--A powerful group of industry leaders has convinced Medtrade to up its game and its value to HME manufacturers, providers and consumers.
“The last couple of years people were quite dissatisfied, but I think now we have it on the right track,” said Bill Elliott, president and CEO of The MED Group
Those on board with the makeover include Invacare, MED, Pride Mobility, Drive Medical, NCART, The VGM Group and many others. They impressed upon the industry's largest trade show the need...
Have a balance? Pay it online
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
SANDWICH, Mass.--Cape Medical Supply has saved itself and its customers money by adding an online bill payment feature to its Web site recently.
The feature saves Cape Medical from having to mail bills and customers from having to mail checks - at 44 cents a pop. Additionally, it saves the provider precious time.
“We don't have to wait to get the check, then get the check to the bank,” said Michael Sheehan, assistant business manager. “Now payments are automatically hitting...
GF gets domestic
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
ATLANTA--As part of a “Back in the USA Strategic Initiative” announced July 7, Graham-Field (GF) has moved select manufacturing back to the United States. “Our customers are looking for unique products, greater flexibility relative to product features and more efficient logistics,” stated Lawrence de la Haba, senior vice president of business development, in a release. “Domestic manufacturing allows us to meet these needs.” GF's Patriotic Homecare Bed is the first...
O&P, soft goods prepare for break out role
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
After existing for years on the margins of home medical equipment, the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) segment is now front and center, thanks to the U.S. Congress.
The Prosthetic and Custom Orthotic Parity Act of 2009 (H.R. 2575), introduced by Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J., in May is intended to elevate custom O&P coverage with other basic medical services. Groups such as the Amputee Coalition of America have been pushing for greater orthotic and prosthetic recognition from the payer community for...
Hanger gets bigger
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
BETHESDA, Md.--Hanger Orthopedic Group recently acquired Seattle-based Northwest Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinic and San Diego-based Inline Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems. The two companies combined produce $5.3 million in revenues, said Hanger in a release. The acquisitions will enhance Hanger's existing markets in those states. Hanger operates 675 patient care centers with more than 3,500 employees including 1,083 practitioners. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Providers expect 3% cut, Medicaid delivers 4.5%
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
ST. PAUL, Minn.--In an unusual move, Gov. Tim Pawlenty bypassed state lawmakers in June and reduced Medicaid payments for durable medical equipment by 4.5%. Providers had expected a 3% reduction.
“We knew we were going to get cut, but this was higher than what we had anticipated,” said Todd Knorr, branch manager for Rice Home Medical in Redwood Falls, and Minnesota chairman for the Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Services (MAMES). “It's a big problem on top of the federal...
'We think it's a game changer'
July 31, 2009HME News Staff
HARTFORD, Conn.--CareCentrix has worked quietly over the past 10 months, formulating a new strategic plan that ties in directly to healthcare reform. During that time, the benefits-management company - HME, home care and infusion - for private insurers has put in place a new executive team of healthcare professionals. Its mission: Prove that homecare services can “reduce a payer's inpatient costs while delivering improved and clearly measurable healthcare costs.” CareCentrix, which generated...