In brief: NCART appeals, REMSleep clears, AOPA awards

WASHINGTON – NCART has submitted a HCPCS coding application to formally appeal CMS’s decision to only increase the fee schedule for seat elevation systems by about $13 to $2,013.96. “While we appreciate CMS’s willingness to listen to our concerns and review the follow-up information we provided, they indicated it could not be considered, since it was not part of the public meeting process last year,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “In addition, we will highlight the problems using Internet pricing, which does not reflect the additional significant costs to comply with Medicare requirements compared to that retail model.” Previously in March, CMS established a new code, E2298, for seat elevation systems and set reimbursement to about $2,000 effective April 1. On an interim basis prior to April 1, CMS was paying about $2,800, on average, for seat elevation systems. 

CMS adjusts requirements for replacements 

WASHINGTON – CMS will require prior authorization for all power mobility devices being replaced within the five–year useful lifetime effective June 2, NCART reports. Providers should submit prior authorizations as an expedited request and the agency will process them within two business days. For wheelchairs being replaced due to loss, theft or irreparable damage, the following should be included with the request: information and/or detailed reports that explain the reason leading to the need for replacement, such as policy report when the PMD is lost or stolen; and a physician’s written order prior to delivery (WOPD) for the new replacement items. If CMS affirmed the original prior authorization, the DME MACs will not review for medical necessity. Once the request is affirmed, providers should submit the claim with the RA modifier. For wheelchairs being replaced due to change in medical need or reasonable useful lifetime met, the following should be included with the request: a new face-to-face evaluation, WOPD and documentation from the medical record that supports the need for the item and documentation to support the change in condition, if applicable. 

REMSleep receives clearance, details marketing plan 

CLEARWATER, Fla. – REMSleep Holdings has been awarded 510(K) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its new Deltawave CPAP Pillows Interface mask.  With the clearance, the company has begun preparing the Deltawave for market by updating its website and ordering a large inventory. REMSleep has also announced a strategic marketing plan for Deltawave that includes identifying key distributors, providing comprehensive training to those distributors, expanding its reach, and launching marketing and awareness campaigns. "We are incredibly excited about the future of REMSleep  and the tremendous potential of Deltawave,” said CEO Tom Wood. “Our journey ahead is filled with immense opportunities, but we recognize that it will require both strength and patience to achieve our corporate goals. We are committed to identifying and collaborating with the best distributors to ensure that Deltawave reaches those who need it most. Our team is dedicated to advancing our technology, expanding our market presence, and ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals affected by sleep apnea.” Deltawave’s features include the ability to support normal breath rate and a reduction in the need (or no need) for humidification. 

AOPA announces award recipients 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Howard R. Thranhardt Award are Andreas Kannenberg, MD (GER), PhD, Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP (D), Tyler Klenow, MSPO, MBA, CPO, FAAOP, and Russell Lundstrom, MS. The award, established in 1996 through a gift from J.E. Hanger in memory of Howard R. Thranhardt, CP, has become one of the most distinguished honors in the orthotics and prosthetics profession, annually recognizing the strength in clinical research. “Their work will contribute to the profession’s clinical base, helping to improve and further the care provided to the individuals we are privileged to serve,” said Mitchell Dobson, CPO, FAAOP, president, AOPA.  “Their presentations are just two of the informative and exciting educational sessions you will experience at this year’s National Assembly. We look forward to congratulating and honoring them for these accomplishments.” The award and presentations will be given Sept. 14 in conjunction with the 2024 National Assembly in Charlotte, N.C. Kannenberg and Wurdeman will present “Assessing Outcomes with Microprocessor Knee Utilization in a K2 Population (ASCENT K2): Findings from a Clinical Trial of 107 Individuals with Above-knee Amputation.” Klenow and Lundstrom will present “Reduction in Falls and Fall-Risk with Increased Walking Speed Found Following 1 Year of C-Brace Use: Interim Results from the C-Brace Registry.”  

AmeriCare Medical’s nurses recognized 

TROY, Mich. – AmeriCare Medical has received recognition from the state of Michigan for its exceptional work in home care. Leaders from the state's House of Representatives delivered a tribute that honored and commended AmeriCare Medical's team of registered nurses and their commitment to excellence in health care. "At AmeriCare Medical, our nurses are the heart and soul of our organization," said Greg Jamian, president and CEO. "They embody the values of compassion, integrity and expertise, delivering personalized care that enhances the quality of life for our patients every day." For more than four decades, AmeriCare Medical has provided the gold standard in home care, employing a team of more than 250 health care professionals who serve across hospitals, government facilities and private residences statewide.  

Soleo Health tapped to distribute IG drug 

FRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has been named a limited distribution specialty pharmacy partner for GC Biopharma USA, Inc. to dispense ALYGLO (Immune Globulin Intravenous, Human-stwk) 10% Liquid for adults with primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI). "Our partnership with GC Biopharma underscores our shared commitment to enhancing patient care and showcases Soleo Health's unparalleled expertise in managing patients with complex conditions,” said Drew Walk, CEO. “We are honored to be chosen as a partner for ALYGLO, highlighting our ability to provide individualized patient services across various care settings.” Soleo Health has deep clinical knowledge and experience in the provision of immunoglobulin (IG) services and its ability to collect real-world evidence clinical outcomes through SoleMetrics, its proprietary clinical outcomes program.  

• HME News recently interviewed Walk and Craig Vollmer about Soleo Health’s map for the future. 

HME Home Health receives recognition for Dove Mattress 

RICHMOND, B.C. – HME Home Health has received the CAOT Seal of Recognition for its award-winning HME Signature Series Dove Mattress. “Since the 2023 launch, the HME Signature Series Dove Mattress has won multiple awards, including the BC Care Providers Safety Product Innovation Award, and now we are thrilled to have received the CAOT Seal of Recognition,” said Robert Boscacci, co-founder and CEO. “The HME Dove is now the leading low air-loss mattress in B.C. and is leading the market in safety and innovation.” HME Home Health offers a wide range of mobility and accessibility devices and medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, lifts, ramps and other installed products. 

• Read about why HME Home Health began making products in response to supply chain disruptions.