In brief: Infusion stakeholders stay on message

WASHINGTON - The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) in May sent a second letter to CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner reiterating its request that infusion pumps and supplies be excluded from the Round 1 re-compete of competitive bidding. The NHIA maintains that including the complicated therapy could create confusion and impact patient safety. Also in May, AAHomecare, in its comments on the Round 1 recompete, asked CMS to exclude home infusion from the program.

Sleep apnea tied to cancer risk?

SAN FRANCISCO - Two new studies have linked sleep apnea to a higher risk of cancer, according to news reports. In both studies, presented in May at a conference of the American Thoracic Society, researchers ruled out the chance that typical risk factors, including age, smoking, alcohol use and weight, played a role.

Liberator reports earnings increase

STUART, Fla. - Mail-order provider Liberator Medical reported a 15.8% increase in revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Revenues were $14.7 million compared to $12.6 million for the same period in 2011. Sales for the six months ended March 31, 2012, increased by 18.4% to $29.5 million. The company reported current assets of $18.7 million and current liabilities of $7.2 million.

High error rate for glucose test strips

WASHINGTON - Glucose testing supplies and support surfaces are under scrutiny in Jurisdiction B. National Government Services, the DME MAC, said it plans to continue with widespread prepay reviews of glucose test strips and pressure reducing mattresses, both of which have high error rate. As of March 31, 2012, glucose testing supplies have an error rate of 99.5%; The top reason for denial was insufficient documentation for medical necessity.

Sleep magazine hits stands

SALT LAKE CITY - The American Sleep & Breathing Academy has launched Sleep & Wellness Magazine, it announced in May. The quarterly publication features articles written by sleep experts and physicians on a range of sleeping disorders. The American Sleep & Breathing Academy educates sleep technicians, medical professionals and the community at large about sleep disorders. To subscribe, go to www.sleepwellness.net.

Short takes

Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics opened in Reno, Nev., in May. Owned by Travis Humphreys, CPO, Ability specializes in custom prostheses and orthoses.