Short takes from AAH: Ventec, Williard, supplier numbers

AAHomecare has a new corporate partner: Ventec Life Systems. The company, which makes the multi-function ventilator VOCSN, has joined the association to help advocate for respiratory suppliers and patients, with a particular interest in ensuring Medicare doesn't include vents in the next round of competitive bidding. “Competitive bidding reimbursement rates limit access to innovative technology for the sickest patients in home care,” said Chris Kiple, president and COO of Ventec. “Without access to new technology, the divide between care available in the hospital and the home will only grow larger. Over the long term, this will result in increased hospital visits and unexpected costs as homecare patients are denied access to new care changing solutions.” CMS is accepting comments on its proposal to include vents in the bid program until Dec. 17. Email comments to DMEPOS@cms.hhs.gov…Laura Williard, AAHomecare's vice president of payer relations, has been appointed to the board of directors for both the Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS) and the South Carolina Medical Equipment Services Association (SCMESA). “Both PAMS and SCMESA are working to develop strong relationships with Medicaid authorities and other payers in their states, and making sure policymakers understand the critical role that HME plays in controlling overall costs and delivering good clinical outcomes for their constituents,” she said. “It's great to be working more closely with these groups to defend HME interests in Pennsylvania and South Carolina”…The number of unique traditional DMEPOS suppliers and traditional DMEPOS locations decreased 1% in the most recent quarter, according to an analysis by AAHomecare. As of October 2018, there are 6,385 unique traditional DMEPOS suppliers and 9,445 traditional DMEPOS locations. Since the inception of Medicare's competitive bidding program, however, those numbers represent 35% and 33% decreases, respectively.