Tag: Disaster Preparedness
Weather events: Providers spare no effort
October 18, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – With weather events top of mind, the majority of HME providers report updating their disaster preparedness plans every year (60%) and sharing those plans within their local health care systems (60%), according to the results of a recent HME Newspoll.
The majority of providers also report increasing their supply of oxygen and other equipment and supplies ahead of a weather event (70%).
“We always maintain roughly 10 times as much oxygen as we use in...
Disaster relief: Industry tries to ‘connect’ dots
September 25, 2024Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
Collaboration and data collection: A virtual meeting highlighted the importance of connecting stakeholders, including the Red Cross and FEMA, to better utilize HME providers during disasters. However, more and better data is needed to influence policy and reimbursement changes.
Challenges in reimbursement: Despite efforts, CMS has not changed payment policies for disaster-related costs. The industry must document and share detailed cost information to advocate for additional payments.
YARMOUTH,...
Disaster Preparedness: Know the dollars and cents of disaster
December 6, 2022Emily Harken
Q. What expenses do most providers incur during a disaster?
A. Last month, the Emergency Preparedness Committee, along with VGM Government Relations and AAHomecare, surveyed DMEPOS suppliers regarding all the overlooked expenses associated with a disaster.
The intention of the survey is to illustrate the number of dollars and additional expenses incurred before, during and after a disaster to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMS and state/federal emergency groups. Due...
Disaster Preparedness: Speak up about expense
November 9, 2022Emily Harken
Q. Are there any efforts to improve processes during a disaster?
A. Recently, the Emergency Preparedness for HME Suppliers Committee, along with VGM and AAHomecare, has been encouraging DMEPOS suppliers to take a survey with questions regarding all the unthought-of expenses associated with a disaster. The committee has been working to illustrate to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMS and state/federal emergency groups the lost dollars and additional expenses incurred before,...
Disaster Preparedness: Access post-disaster resources
October 12, 2022Emily Harken
Q. Can I get reimbursed for lost/destroyed equipment after a disaster?
A. Last month, we discussed preparing for a natural disaster. That article could not have come at a better time as Hurricane Ian recently ripped through much of Florida, the Carolinas and other coastal states. We hope everyone was able to prepare for the disaster.
It seems appropriate now to discuss post-disaster resources.
Government assistance is available if/when the White House declares a national...
United Spinal equips wheelchair users to better weather disasters
October 28, 2020HME News Staff
KEW GARDENS, N.Y. - The United Spinal Association has launched a disaster preparedness initiative for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders designed to lessen the effects and risks associated with natural or human-caused disasters. “Read to Roll” addresses the significant challenges individuals living with disabilities face when disasters strike, especially those who rely on power wheelchairs, ventilators and other medical equipment and supplies. “Our goal is to help...