Archive: July 2014
CDC reports rise in doc visits by diabetes patients
July 31, 2014HME News Staff
ATLANTA - Office-based physician visits made by diabetes patients rose 20% between 2005 and 2010, according to a new data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The largest increase in visits (34%) was made by adults in their mid-20s to mid-40s, according to the new brief.“Continuing to examine office-based physician visits by patients with diabetes is especially important given changes in standards of care that may influence such visits,” said Jill Ashman, a...
Basic American Medical Products wins award
July 31, 2014HME News Staff
ATLANTA - Basic American Medical Products earned the “Elite Supplier” distinction at the 2014 LINK Conference. The distinction is give to suppliers that took part in last year's conference and have ranked as a top supplier based on provider evaluations of their level of preparation, consultation, innovation and overall value. “This seal identifies Basic American Medical Products as a progressive thought leader in long term care and senior living, and as an organization that...
National truck company opens sleep apnea clinic
July 31, 2014HME News Staff
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Prime, a nationwide truck carrier, has opened a sleep apnea clinic to test and treat drivers for the disease. “The most important thing is to improve the quality of life for the driver,” said Steve Field, director of safety. “It's something we've been working pretty hard at.” Prime has been testing all student drivers and drivers considered at risk based on weight, body mass index and neck circumference.
Jaysec, PPM Fulfillment integrate
July 31, 2014HME News Staff
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Providers who use PPM Fulfillment to ship their sleep therapy equipment to patients, and use GoJaysec to contact and follow up with them now have the convenience of an integrated system, the companies have announced. Lincoln, Neb.-based PPM partners with manufacturers to assist providers in drop shipping CPAP supplies. Jaysec develops and provides web-based software applications for providers and their referral sources.
Sigvaris launches new educational options
July 30, 2014HME News Staff
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - Sigvaris is offering new educational sessions to expand training for fitters of medical compression stockings, the company announced July 29. The sessions, for those interested in becoming a Sigvaris Certified Fitter, include webinars, two online training courses, a two-hour in-service to increase product knowledge and a one-day in-person course, according to a press release. Sigvaris has also partnered with the International Lymphedema and Wound Care Training Institute to offer...
The Compliance Team earns dual approvals
July 30, 2014HME News Staff
SPRING HOUSE, Pa. - Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has approved The Compliance Team's accreditation for HME/DMEPOS, in accordance with a recently enacted law that requires AHCA to ensure accreditors meet state licensing laws for HME providers. Also in July, CMS approved The Compliance Team as a national accrediting organization for rural health clinics. The Compliance Team was founded by Sandra Canally in 1994.
Trustees report improved outlook for Medicare
July 30, 2014HME News Staff
BALTIMORE - The Medicare Trust Fund will remain solvent until 2030—four years longer than last year's projections.
The Medicare Trustees released a report this week that credits, in part, cost controls implemented as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the improved outlook.
“Thanks to the ACA, we are taking important steps to improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, while improving Medicare's long-term solvency,” said Marilyn Tavenner, administrator...
HME Home Medical expands offerings
July 30, 2014HME News Staff
GREEN BAY, Wis. - HME Home Medical has partnered with First Quality Products to distribute its incontinence products, including the Prevail brand, according to a press release. The partnership will enable the provider to expand its distribution division, GOHME. “This strategic alliance will allow us to expand our product base yet again as we reach out to distribute our high-quality products to even more facilities,” said Eric Hagen, director of business development at GOHME. In March,...
CMS announces Oct. 1 start date for PMD demo expansion
July 29, 2014HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - CMS will expand its PMD demonstration to 12 additional states on Oct. 1, the agency announced in a final rule published this week.CMS plans to require prior authorizations for PMDs in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Missouri, Washington, New Jersey, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee and Arizona—all of which have high expenditures and improper payments based on 2012 billing data, the agency states in the rule.CMS kicked off the PMD demo in California, Florida, Illinois,...
Numotion names GE exec as new leader
July 29, 2014HME News Staff
ROCKY HILL, Conn. - Numotion's board of directors announced this week that Mike Swinford has taken over as CEO. Paul Bergantino, the company's former CEO, will remain onboard as a consultant during the transition process, according to a press release. “Paul has been a leader in our industry for many years and his contributions, especially during the merger of ATG Rehab and United Seating & Mobility, are greatly appreciated,” stated Tim Burfield, one of Numotion's directors, in the release....