Archive: April 2014
AAHomecare adds videos to campaign toolbox
April 30, 2014HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - AAHomecare has made available for sharing three videos through its Save My Medical Supplies campaign.The short videos, available at www.savemymedicalsupplies.org, help to educate Medicare beneficiaries, families and caregivers about how Medicare problems can impact them, according to a release.The first video is an overview of major issues related to Medicare reform. The second: an interview with Thomas Morris, a beneficiary with diabetes and an amputee, that highlights issues related...
People in the news: Mervyn Watkins, Kathy Schuerman
April 30, 2014HME News Staff
Mervyn Watkins, the founder of Convaid, has been named one of the 15 Most Influential Business Leaders in Torrance, Calif., by the Torrance Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized for his commitment and leadership in support of growing the local economy. Watkins served as Convaid's CEO until 2008 and maintains an active role on the company's board of directors…Ottobock has promoted Kathy Schuerman to vice president of finance for North America. She joined the company in 2006 as controller and has...
PHS expands infusion pharmacy
April 30, 2014HME News Staff
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Pediatric Home Service (PHS) has expanded its infusion pharmacy to meet the demands of its growing population of medically complex pediatric patients, according to a release. The expansion will also enable PHS to increase efficiencies in workflow, better use space and enhance staff communication. “Thanks to our additional capabilities and a rise in infusion therapies that can be delivered in the home, we're able to continue providing this unique service to a growing patient...
VGM doubles up on retail
April 29, 2014HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group has boosted its retail offerings by acquiring Minneapolis-based Simply Shops.
VGM will merge Simply Shops, a healthcare retail consultant primarily to hospitals, with VGM Retail Services. Simply Shops is known for its “Retail Science” concept—offering a blend of gift/floral, convenience, health and wellness, and logo wear to support patients, families, staff, visitors and the overall community in the hospital environment, according to a press release.
“Blending...
Golden expands operations with new distribution center
April 29, 2014HME News Staff
OLD FORGE, Pa. - Golden Technologies has doubled the capacity of its Pennsylvania Lift Chair Distribution Center by opening a new warehouse in Laflin, Pa. The warehouse has 100,000 square feet of storage and distribution space, and features energy efficient lighting, railroad ramp access and truck loading docks. In addition to the larger distribution center, Golden's long-term plan includes increasing its manufacturing capabilities by adding new production lines. That's exactly what the company will...
Home Care Medical gets in with health network
April 29, 2014HME News Staff
NEW BERLIN, Wis. - Home Care Medical has reached an agreement with Sheboygan Employer's Health Network (SEHN) to be an in-network provider for area health insurance members. SEHN offers health insurance to the employees and their families of six major self-funded employers located in Sheboygan County. The agreement allows SEHN members to access products and services from all five of Home Care Medical's lines of business: infusion and enteral therapy; high-tech rehab equipment; respiratory care; HME...
NCART, NRRTS organize call-in day in conjunction with conference
April 28, 2014HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - If you're not one of the 200 people who will be descending on Capitol Hill this week for the National CRT Leadership and Advocacy Conference, you can still participate.
On Tuesday, April 29, NCART and NRRTS are also hosting a call-in day. They're encouraging thousands of people to call members of Congress and ask them to sign on as co-sponsors to H.R. 942 and S.948, bills to create a separate benefit for complex rehab.
To participate, go to www.access2crt.org to see if...
Users make statement in customized wheelchairs
April 25, 2014Leah Hoenen
WASHINGTON, PA. - With lighted casters, colored frames and more, wheelchairs are endlessly customizable. As Progressive Mobility President Brian Matthews recently tweeted, “#wheelchair, it doesn't have to be boring!”
Social media is the newest way for Washington, Pa.-based Progressive Mobility to spread the word, but Matthews says customization has been part of the company's standard offer since he took over a decade ago.
As part of the intake process with new patients,...
Do you have a strategy for diversification?
April 25, 2014Guest Commentary
If not, you need one to assure your company's future viability. The DME world has dramatically changed over the years and I don't think anyone would argue against that fact. Reimbursement rates have been cut to the bone for CPAP and oxygen, just to name a couple, while the cost of running your business has not. In fact, I am sure your costs have increased dramatically more than the years. Do you find yourself looking back at the days when you billed out and received over $400 per month for oxygen,...
Face-to-face rule: Give physicians data points
April 25, 2014Michael Blakey
A. Yes. The right electronic template provides a dynamic, time-efficient and cost effective solution to succeed at the highest level with the face-to-face (F2F) rule in effect since July 1, 2013.
CMS came out with guidance for the use of templates around the same time they announced the new F2F rule. CMS recognizes that an electronic template, which is part of the electronic health record (EHR), is a good way to allow physicians to have a standard method of documenting a patient's medical...