Archive: May 2018
ADA: Improve insulin access, affordability
May 31, 2018HME News Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. - The American Diabetes Association on May 24 released a public policy statement outlining both long- and short-term recommendations for improving insulin access and affordability. The recommendations in “ADA Public Policy Statement: Insulin Access and Affordability” include increasing transparency across the entire insulin supply chain; streamlining the approval process for biosimilar insulins; lowering or removing patient cost-sharing for insulin; and increasing...
Growth was off for F&P Healthcare's masks
May 31, 2018HME News Staff
IRVINE, Calif. - Fisher & Paykel Healthcare reported operating revenue grew 10% to a record NZD 980.8 million, or 9% in constant currency terms, for fiscal year 2018. Split up, that's 13% constant currency growth in the company's hospital product group and 4% growth in its homecare product group. F&P reported that its operating profit grew 12% to NZD 269.8 million and its net profit after tax few 12% to NZD 190.2 million in FY 2018 vs. 2017. In the homecare product group, OSA mask constant currency...
Option Care nurses receive infusion certification
May 31, 2018HME News Staff
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. - Option Care, a provider of home and alternate treatment site infusion therapy services, recognizes 19 of its nurses for passing the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) examination this spring. The bi-annual exam, facilitated through the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation, is the only accredited and nationally recognized certification for infusion nursing. Option Care says its newly certified clinicians make up nearly 20% of the total number of clinicians to receive...
Big difference between CBO, HHS estimates
May 30, 2018HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Two government agencies have widely differing estimates on a proposal to expand and reform Medicare's competitive bidding program, according to Inside Health Policy.The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the proposal, included in the president's fiscal 2019 budget, would cost $1.3 billion over 10 years; The Department of Health and Human Services says it would save $6.5 billion over the same time period, according to the D.C. news service.Under the proposal, CMS would expand...
CQRC questions OIG findings
May 30, 2018HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The Council on Quality Respiratory Care criticized a recent report from the Office of Inspector General, saying it underestimates the negative impact of the competitive bidding program on access for oxygen patients. The CQRC states that the “limitations in the report's methodology signal significant flaws in the OIG's conclusions.” It points out that the OIG, itself, acknowledges that continued Medicare payment “is not a direct measure of continued access to...
VGM, HME News join forces on benchmarking survey
May 30, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group and HME News have partnered to administer one HME Financial Benchmarking Survey, rather than two separate surveys. The two entities say the move will mean an increase in responses and more consistent data. “We're excited to work with our friends at VGM on this project,” said Rick Rector, publisher of HME News. “We look forward to increased participation and can't wait to dig into the data and share it with the respondents, as well as HME Business...
Keene Medical sticks with Medicaid
May 30, 2018HME News Staff
MONTPELIER, Vt. - Keene Medical Products will remain an in-network provider with The Department Vermont Health Access, which oversees the state's Medicaid program, according to an article in Vermont Business Magazine. The provider in April had said it would withdraw effective June 1 in response to changes in Medicaid reimbursement rates. DVHA has been in communication with HOMES to address concerns and continues to make adjustments to the new fee schedule. Keene Medical and DVHA will collaborate...
ResMed buys another software provider
May 29, 2018HME News Staff
SAN DIEGO - ResMed has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held HEALTHCAREfirst, a provider of software solutions and services for home health and hospice agencies. HEALTHCAREfirst offers electronic health record software, billing and coding services, and advanced analytics that allow home health and hospice agencies to optimize their clinical, financial and administrative processes, ResMed says. “The home health and hospice segments are large and growing fast, due to the...
MED's milestone: Organization celebrates 50 years in business
May 29, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
LUBBOCK, Texas - The MED Group has hosted regional conferences for its provider members over the years, but to honor its 50th year in business, it's hosting a national conference in San Antonio July 10-11.The two-day conference, which will have the theme “dedication,” will provide networking opportunities and education.“MED has always been dedicated to the success of the independent HME provider from our beginning,” said Rhonda Hines, division vice president. “Everything...
Rosemary's daughter: Diamond Medical gets bigger into retail
May 29, 2018Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Diamond Medical Supply is celebrating its 25th anniversary by moving into a new retail location—two doors down.“Like most companies we are going more toward retail,” said Owner Cindy Bishop. “When I started, people were looking for Medicare and Medicaid to pay for absolutely everything. That mindset has changed.”Diamond Medical Supply was launched in 1993 by Bishop's mother, Rosemary Francisco. While the store still offers hospital beds, oxygen and...