Briefs

RATC requests meeting with CMS WASHINGTON - AAHomecare's Re/hab and Assistive Technology Council has requested a meeting with CMS to discuss the new codes for pediatric mobility equipment and accessories. RATC hasn't received official letters of determination from CMS yet, but information it has received from other payer sources is cause for concern, said Rita Hostak, chairman of RATC. First, RATC fears CMS has grouped the codes into categories that are too broad. Second, it fears the new codes lack detailed definitions. Third, it fears CMS has placed the codes in the capped rental category. RATC hopes it will be able to work through these concerns during a meeting with CMS. Either way, the codes go into effect Jan. 1. Mobility coalition doubles in size WASHINGTON - The Power Mobility Coalition has moved two and a half blocks from an office it was sharing with a law firm to its own office on 919 18th Street to accommodate a membership that has doubled in the past year. The coalition's membership has increased from some 15 members to 30, said Maria Spencer, who manages the coalition. Spencer said the Power Mobility Coalition's recent activities, such as hosting a CMS listening session for DME, have also made having its own office a necessity. "We're at the point where we need our own identity in D.C.," she said. Axis Rehab doubles its staff RAYMOND, N.H. - Axis Rehab has more than doubled its staff since its parent company, Lifeplus, gave it life in March. Axis originally had a team of three: a director of operations, a manager and a rehab technician. Since then, it has added two rehab technicians, a rehab coordinator and a reimbursement coordinator, according to David Law, director of operations. The company is working to get all its staff certified as well.