New white paper makes case for vents
By HME News Staff
Updated Thu July 25, 2019
WASHINGTON - A work group of the AAHomecare HME/RT Council has published a white paper demonstrating the value of non-invasive ventilators.
The paper also outlines the cost for suppliers to provide NIV, supplies and services to medically complex patients in the home, and features testimonials from two users.
“As a group of dedicated professionals working everyday with patients who require non-invasive ventilation and clinical services to live at home with a good quality of life, we want to express the concerns of patients, caregivers, and clinicians on this matter,” said Roxanne Venard, a registered respiratory therapist with Ascent Respiratory Care, who co-chaired the work group.
The white paper is being used in discussions with the administration and lawmakers, as stakeholders seek to remove NIV from Round 2021. CMS announced in March that it was one of the 16 product categories to be included in the competitive bidding program.
Lawmakers have weighed in the issue: Earlier this month, a Senate sign-on letter asking CMS to drop vents from the program garnered 38 signatures; in June, a similar letter was signed by 180 members of the House of Representatives.
In May, consumer groups, including the ALS Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, the American Lung Association, CHEST/American College of Physicians and the United Spinal Association, also sent a letter urging CMS to drop vents from the program.
Comments