Briefs

CPAP task force to develop strategy

ARLINGTON, Va. - AAHomecare's HME/RT Council has created a CPAP task force to look at ways to improve Medicare policy. On the agenda: policy requirements for coverage beyond the first three months of therapy; documentation and compliance requirements; and the use of advance beneficiary notices. The task force will also examine changes that went into effect April 1 that require four specific criteria to be met when the patient changes from a CPAP to a bi-level device. The task force planned to present its strategy at Medtrade Spring in Las Vegas.

Annual event draws crowd

ERIE, Pa. - Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services hosted a Diabetes Expo March 16. The annual event, in Erie, Pa., drew about 1,100 attendees who enjoyed product samples, cooking demonstrations and educational workshops on managing stress. "We are already looking at ways to spice it up," said Laurie Schneider, senior vice president of marketing and business development.

PAP claims being wrongly denied

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Cigna, the Jurisdiction C DME MAC, issued a bulletin April 19, blaming a system issue for incorrect denials on PAP claims. According the to bulletin, certain claims for PAP accessories/supplies have been denied incorrectly as over-utilization. The affected accessories/supplies include HCPCS codes A4604, A7027-A7039, and A7046.

Pharmacists get jump on business

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association's (NCPA) Ownership Academy will offer a program, "Jumpstart Your Pharmacy Business: A Seminar for Owners," July 17-18. The program will help participants learn how to analyze their finances, understand the benefits of investing in technology, use merchandising tools, better handle third-party audits and develop new niche services strategies, the NCPA stated in a release. For more information: 800-544-7477.