In brief: Claims with ICD-10 codes start churning through system, Amigo Mobility expands offerings

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - CMS has begun returning paid electronic remittance advice or ERAs for claims submitted using ICD-10 codes, according to TeamDME!, a medical billing software company. This is welcome news to providers: 70% of respondents to a recent HME Newspoll reported concern over a disruption in cash flow. But providers aren't out of the woods yet. Depending on the type of claim, providers can expect to wait up to 30 days to receive payment, said CMS Deputy Administrator Sean Cavanaugh in a recent blog post. The transition to ICD-10 kicked off Oct. 1.

Amigo Mobility expands offerings to include mounting products

BRIDGEPORT, Mich. - Amigo Mobility International now offers mounting products through a distributorship with Seattle-based RAM Mounts. Distributing these products, including cell phone and tablet holders, increases the level of customization and comfort that Amigo Mobility can offer its customers, the company stated in a press release. “RAM Mount products are a natural complement to the Amigo product line,” stated COO Joe Mooney in a press release. “Many of our healthcare customers spend most of their day using their Amigo, so the more accessories we can offer to make their lives easier, the better.” Amigo Mobility manufacturers a complete line of mobility products, including power-operated vehicles/scooters, trunk and van lifts, and electronic shopping carts.

Quantum's seating system passes crash test

EXETER, Pa. - Quantum Rehab's Tru-Balance 3 and iLevel power seating systems are now crash tested and WC19 compliant, the company has announced. WC19 is the ANSI/RESNA testing standard that mobility devices must pass to serve as an occupied seat in a motor vehicle, according to a press release. “Occupied power chair transport in vehicles is vital, and we've known the historical limitations on non-crash-tested power seating systems,” said Jean Sayre, senior director of clinical development for Quantum Rehab. “We're pleased to be the first in the industry to have power seating that's fully crash tested and WC19-compliant for safer transport.” WC19-compliant power seating is available on the Quantum Q6 Edge with Tru-Balance 3 Tilt-and-Recline, Articulating Foot Platform, and iLevel elevation technology, configured individually or together, with up to a 300-pound weight capacity.

Judges narrow down top retail products

ATLANTA - Eight finalists have been chosen for Medtrade's Innovative HME Retail Product Awards. The purpose of the competition is to promote and recognize products suited for cash sales. The finalists will present their products Tuesday, Oct 27, during a session at the show titled “The Best New Retail/Cash Opportunities.” After, attendees will vote for three winners. The finalists are:

. Back Joy Care Bath Seat (bath safety product), Booth 2202

. Drive Hurry Cane (walking cane), Booth 911

. Golden Technologies DayDreamer (lift chair), Booth 1305

. ING Calf Sleeve and Wrist Sleeve (compression/orthopedic support), Booth 1950

. KT Tape Recovery + Patches (elastic tape for pain relief), Booth 2153

. MMJ Labs Buzzy Vibracool (massaging ice therapy), Booth 1064

. Pik Stiks TelescoPik (reacher/activity of daily living product), Booth 633

. Pride Go Go Folding Scooter (rehab/mobility), Booth 1911

NCPA approves resolutions, elects officers

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Community pharmacists adopted several resolutions to advance patient care and improve reimbursement yesterday during the 2015 NCPA Annual Convention. The NCPA committed to, among other things, supporting policies that facilitate community pharmacists serving as outpatient health care centers, and pursuing solutions to direct and indirect remuneration practices. During the House of Delegates session, Bradley Arthur, co-owner of Black Rock Pharmacy and Brighton Eggert Pharmacy in Buffalo, N.Y., was named NCPA president. Also elected: DeAnn Mullins, Lynn Haven, Fla., president-elect; David Smith, Indiana, Pa., chairman; and Bill Osborn, Brian Caswell, Michele Belcher, Hugh Chancy and Jeff Carson, board of directors.

Association names Joe Moose top community pharmacist

NATIONAL HARBOR, Mich. - The National Community Pharmacists Association has named Joe Moose, RPh, co-owner of Moose Pharmacy, as its 2015 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year. Moose, who has multiple locations in and around Concord, N.C., was recognized for, among other things, his role as the lead community pharmacy coordinator for Community Care of North Carolina, a network of more than 200 community pharmacies that strive to offer enhanced value to payers. The award recognizes an independent pharmacist for exemplary leadership and commitment to independent pharmacy and to their community. Willard B. Simmons, the award's namesake, was a former executive secretary of NCPA and a long-time trustee of the NCPA Foundation.