Briefs

Non-profit group seeks info on wheelchair access OAKLAND, Calif. - The Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) through its Health Access Project is conducting an investigation into Medicare beneficiary access in light of Medicare's in-the-home coverage policy for wheelchairs and scooters. The organization is asking providers to submit comments if they have been unable to get Medicare reimbursement, or if they have stopped accepting claims for power wheelchairs for use outside the home because they know they will not be reimbursed. The DRA is a non-profit legal center that works on litigation and outreach to end discrimination against people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.dralegal.org. PWC crook to repay $119,000 LEXINGTON, Ky. - A former medical supply dealer in Lexington pleaded guilty July 16 in Franklin Circuit Court to fraudulently billing Medicaid for more than $119,000 related to power wheelchairs and hospital beds. Jeramey Etherton, 34, was put on probation on the condition that he fully repays the money to the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program. Additionally, he cannot participate as a provider in the Medicaid program for at least five years. Etherton owned a DME company known from time to time as either Wheelpower or Heartland Medical. He conducted his scam from 2000 through 2002, Hooking referrals with CEU seminars NEWINGTON, Conn. - Holding educational seminars where PTs and OTs can earn continuing education units has turned into a “fantastic marketing” tool for Hudson Home Healthcare, said Ed Curley, Jr., marketing/contracts manager. Since the rehab provider began hosting the CEU seminars almost three years ago at its Newington HQ, roughly 600 referral sources have visited the facility. Most recently, about 75 attended seminars July 28 and 29, Curley said. “I think the thing they like the most, at least when its a wheelchair or seating seminar, is going back to the shop and seeing eight or nine guys assembling wheelchairs and making custom stuff,” he said. “It is kind of impressive.” The seminars are either free or priced to allow Hudson to break even.