Archive: November 2014
Social media 'ultimate grassroots tool'
November 26, 2014Tracy Orzel
WASHINGTON - NCART recently asked CRT stakeholders to tweet to key Congressional offices in an effort to pass its two bills.“I think it's going well,” said Executive Director Don Clayback. “Our objective really is to make sure that were reaching out to the offices of Congress and whatever avenues they monitor.”To maximize exposure, NCART has created a list of Congressional twitter handles and hashtags to use in tweets. Its key message: “Help people with disabilities...
VGM poised for growth with new Emerging Markets division
November 26, 2014Jeff Rowe
WATERLOO, Iowa - When change is upon you, the choice is either to resist it or commit to making it work. That's one way of looking at the choice facing HME providers in the wake of, among other things, recent CMS reimbursement cuts and the resulting shifts in the marketplace.Mike Mallaro, CFO of The VGM Group, said his organization has chosen to commit to change by launching a new division, VGM Emerging Markets.“As we've grown and kept identifying new opportunities, we've tended to be short...
In brief: OIG report, accessory code
November 26, 2014HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Three types of diabetes test strips account for 58% of the Medicare mail-order market share, according to a study released Nov. 25 by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG examined 1,210 claims from the three-month period of October 2013 through December 2013. This is the third of three reports released in 2014 that the OIG has released to ensure that winning bidders are meeting the 50% market share requirement required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers...
Bundling 'problematic' for power wheelchairs
November 26, 2014Tracy Orzel
WASHINGTON - HME stakeholders are deeply concerned about CMS's plan to bundle payments for power wheelchairs and the impact that will have on patients and providers' bottom lines.
In a final rule issued Oct. 31, CMS stated that it would implement a demo project in 12 competitive bid areas, in which providers would submit a single bid for furnishing standard power wheelchairs, related accessories and services needed on a monthly basis.
Bundling is not an unreasonable concept, but CMS'...
OIG report: Prodigy gains further market share
November 26, 2014Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Three types of diabetes test strips account for 58% of the Medicare mail-order market share, according to a study released Nov. 25 by the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG examined 1,210 claims from the three-month period of October 2013 through December 2013. This is the third of three reports released in 2014 that the OIG has released to ensure that winning bidders are meeting the 50% market share requirement required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers...
VMI teams up with USAA
November 26, 2014HME News Staff
PHOENIX - VMI and USAA are making it easier for USAA members to get a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) by applying directly to USAA for financing. “For over a quarter century, VMI has led the charge to help disabled American veterans regain their mobility with the wheelchair accessible van they deserve,” said Doug Eaton, president of VMI. “We're honored to work with USAA.” USAA members with approved credit can fast track delivery of their Toyota, Honda or Chrysler minivan...
Industry presses for details on bundling
November 26, 2014Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Industry stakeholders are seeking answers to a laundry list of questions regarding CMS's “incredibly vague” plan to bundle payments for standard power wheelchairs and CPAP.
“We've posed several questions already and will submit about a dozen more,” said Kim Brummett, senior director of regulatory affairs for AAHomecare. “CMS has indicated they are compiling the questions and will respond to the industry. CMS knows the bundling thing is incredibly...
CPAP Planet debuts new site
November 26, 2014HME News Staff
FLOWOOD, Miss. - CPAP Planet's new website, www.cpapplanet.com, features an online store for sleep apnea treatments and CPAP machines, and the company intends to add more in the future. Owner Rob Hines says the site has been well received. “It is the goal of CPAP Planet to become the leading resource for reliable information on issues impacting Sleep apnea sufferers,” he said. The company is asking visitors to give feedback for future improvements and updates.
Invacare announces quarterly dividend
November 26, 2014HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio - Invacare announced a quarterly dividend last week. A cash dividend of 0.0125 per share will be payable Jan. 14 to shareholders of record on Jan. 5. Invacare's founder, Mal Mixon, has decided to step down as executive chairman of the Board of Directors, effective Dec. 21.
FreeRider offers new scooters
November 26, 2014HME News Staff
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. - FreeRider USA has added three new mobility scooters to its product line: the Luggie Classic, the FR168-4S, and the FR510-F. Powered by lead acid batteries, the Luggie Classic is a lightweight, compact and easy-folding mobility scooter. Designed for safety, FR168-4S holds up to 350 pounds and includes a dual electronic braking system and solid tires, while the FR510-F, carries up to 450 pounds and drives up to 18 miles.