In brief: OIG wants CMS to improve data collection, Doug Harrison wants The Scooter Store to cover legal fees

WASHINGTON - Bad data is preventing CMS from collecting “currently not collectible” overpayments, according to a report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG). CMS reported $543 million in new “currently not collectible” overpayments across all contractors for fiscal year 2010, but it provided detailed information on $69 million “currently not collectible” overpayments for only seven contractors. Citing contractor transitions, the agency did not provide detailed data for the remaining 32 contractors. For 54% of the overpayments associated with the seven contractors, the provider type was missing in the Healthcare Integrated General Ledger Accounting System. The OIG recommends that CMS, among other things, ensure that the Healthcare Integrated General Ledger Accounting System variable for provider type is populated for all overpayments.

Harrison wants legal fees covered

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - Doug Harrison, the former CEO of The Scooter Store, along with a committee that oversees an employee stock ownership plan, has asked a Delaware bankruptcy court to make sure that the company or its insurers cover their attorneys fees in a class action lawsuit, according to Law360. Harrison and the committee argue that The Scooter Store agreed in the company's governing documents to indemnify them against losses or expenses related to legal proceedings. The lawsuit accuses Harrison and the committee of breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to disclose information about The Scooter Store's financial prospects.

Proposed rule seeks to clarify grandfathering, routinely purchased policies

BALTIMORE - CMS clarifies a grandfathering provision related to the three-year minimum lifetime requirement and the definition for routinely purchased DME in a proposed rule issued July 1. For more information, go to this link and click on “End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program and DMEPOS”: http://www.ofr.gov/inspection.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1.

Numotion acquires ATS

ROCKY HILL, Conn. - Numotion has acquired Boise, Idaho-based ATS Wheelchair and Medical. ATS, founded in 1988, is a leading provider of rehabilitation products and medical supplies to clients throughout the state, according to a press release. "The purchase of ATS helps strengthen our services throughout Idaho," stated Tim Hadley, executive vice president, in the release. "ATS and its experienced staff will be a great fit with Numotion, and we look forward to serving and supporting their customers for many years to come."

ASP: Budesonide swings upward

BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. - Reversing its downward trend last quarter, pricing for respiratory medication budesonide (J7626) increased nearly 34 cents, to $5.09 per dose in average sales price figures for the third quarter 2013 released in June. The only other respiratory med to see any real increase was the brand-name drug Perforomist, which was up 12 cents to $5.91 per dose. Other pricing stayed relatively flat: albuterol (J7613) increased half a cent to 13.5 cents per dose; ipratropium (J7644) decreased nearly half a cent to 11.6 cents per dose; and Brovana (J7605) decreased nearly 3 cents to $5.34 per dose.

Patientco partners with provider

ATLANTA - Patientco has entered into a partnership with Medical Services of America (MSA), with a goal of increasing the provider's patient payments, according to a press release. Patientco's cloud-based technology will enable MSA to consolidate patient payment methods and payment data. Patientco's platform works seamlessly with MSA's Brightree system. Patientco's platform was originally created for hospitals and physicians groups.

MK Battery sponsors power soccer

ANAHEIM, Calif. - MK Battery will be the title sponsor and official battery of the U.S. Power Soccer Association and the Team USA National Power Soccer Team, the company announced June 27. The multi-year agreement includes all of the U.S. Power Soccer Conference Cup tournaments and Team USA international competitions, including the World Cup 2015. Team USA is the current World Cup champion. “The sport of power soccer enhances the lives of those with disabilities and we are extremely proud to be taking such an active role in the program,” stated Mark Wels, president of MK Battery, in a release. “It is a perfect sponsorship match for our company.” The company plans to bring exposure to the sport through its contacts in the HME industry, according to the release.

CareTouch creates seamless sharing

WESTMINSTER, Colo. - CareTouch Communications has added a feature to its CareTouch360 Platform that enables patients and home medical equipment providers to share and store patient data and documentation, according to a press release. The patient can scan or upload documentation into their record, eliminating miscommunication and ensuring everything is up-to-date. “When a patient is able to easily upload a prescription, therapy instructions or other information for their provider to see, nothing gets lost in translation,” stated Matthew Dolph, COO of CareTouch, in the release.

Convaid rebrands seating system

TORRANCE, Calif. - The self-tensioning system that Convaid includes on its compact, folding, lightweight wheelchairs has a new name: Self-Tensio, the company announced in a July 1 press release. The system provides therapeutic pelvic position similar to a solid seating system in an umbrella folding rehab chair. It offers a stable pelvic platform by distributing pressure throughout the contact area, improving support and positioning, according to the release.

Harmar beefs up staff

SARASOTA, Fla. - Harmar has hired several employees to improve operations, engineering and quality assurance, according to a press release. Mark Welcer has been tapped as COO in charge of internal operations, covering production, quality and engineering systems. He also serves as chief compliance officer. Les Smith has been hired as engineering director; he is responsible for all facets of product development. Additionally, David Sapuppo has joined Harmar as quality assurance director. Sapuppo and Smith will report to Welcer.