Tag: Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS)
Pennsylvania legislature considers 'well checks’ for wheelchairs
June 23, 2023Tracy Orzel
PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking a unique approach to addressing repair issues with two bills, HB 183 and SB 511, that would provide coverage for up to two “well check” visits per year for complex wheelchair users.
The bills would help address the difficulties that users are facing trying to get their wheelchairs serviced and repaired due to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, documentation delays and inadequate reimbursement. In some states, like Colorado,...
In brief: Bacteria filters, buying preferences, home infusion bill
August 13, 2021HME News Staff
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Philips does not recommend using bacteria filters with CPAP/BiLevel devices as a means of mitigating chemical emission or particulate matter, it says in a new document related to a recent recall.
“Due to an influx of questions, additional information is being provided about the use of bacteria filters with CPAP/BiLevel devices,” the company states. “According to FDA regulation 868.5260, bacteria filters are medical devices that are intended to remove...
PAMS gets sales tax dropped for breast pumps
August 9, 2021HME News Staff
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS) has successfully exempted breast pumps from sales tax as part of HB 725, which was recently passed by the state’s General Assembly, AAHomecare reports. The elimination of the sales tax will be applicable to all retail sales of items initiating, supporting or sustaining breast feeding effective Jan. 1, 2022. “I am thankful that we are able to help provide some relief to our members, as this endeavor was delayed...
AAH advocates in several states
February 23, 2021HME News Staff
In Pennsylvania, AAHomecare is working with PAMS and other stakeholders to address concerns about Tomorrow Health. Tomorrow Health is performing double duty as a provider and a third-party administrator for Geisinger Health, raising concerns that the arrangement could impact patient choice and continuity of care for individuals covered under Geisinger’s Medicaid contract, as well as Medicare Advantage and commercial plans in the state. Providers in the state have seen a significant...
HME providers, community pharmacists seek recognition
July 31, 2020Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - HME providers and community pharmacists have continued to serve on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic - and like other health care providers, they want to be recognized for that.
The National Community Pharmacists Association recently launched the “Essential” Campaign to keep up the pressure on lawmakers for relief, including hazard pay, says Douglas Hoey, CEO.
“Pharmacists have been there since the beginning of this and we need recognition...
Pennsylvania: New director to 'hit the ground running'
January 24, 2014Elizabeth Deprey
HARRISBURG, Pa. - With the departure of high-profile executive director John Shirvinsky in December and a game-changing state health program on the horizon, 2014 will not be a quiet year for the Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS.)After a five-day retirement from Meadville, Pa.-based Vantage Home Medical Equipment and Services, longtime PAMS board member and past board chair Tom Sedlak took on the part time executive director position Jan. 6.His first order of business: a proposed...
Shirvinsky gives notice
December 9, 2013HME News Staff
HARRISBURG, Pa. - John Shirvinsky, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS), will resign Dec. 20 after 10 years, according to Medtrade Monday. Chuck Blackburn, chairman of Blackburn's, credited Shirvinsky for shoring up the association's financial standing and making it “one of the more influential and successful state organizations in the industry.” Shirvinsky previously worked in the coal, steel and solid waste industries, and was chief...
Reps. Thompson and Braley to hold press conference on Round 2 delay letter
June 12, 2013HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, will hold a press conference Thursday, June 13, to increase the pressure on CMS to delay Round 2 of competitive bidding, according to a news release from AAHomecare.
The pair of lawmakers, who are spearheading the push to delay the implementation of Round 2, plan to announce that a bipartisan majority of 226 members of the House of Representatives have signed their “Dear Colleague” letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn...
Lawmakers hear case against bid program
March 15, 2013Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - Stakeholders say the biggest take-away from the industry's Hill briefings on March 14 is the need to continue educating lawmakers and staffers on competitive bidding.
“Some offices are very well educated on the issue, but there are many more that have only a very basic understanding of it,” said Cara Bachenheimer, senior vice president of government relations for Invacare. “There were questions like, when will rural areas be included in the program?”
Speakers...
Julie Sullivan: 'Friend to everyone'
August 24, 2012Letter to the Editor
It is with a great sense of sadness and profound loss that I advise you of the premature passing of our good friend Julie Sullivan. She is survived by her husband Michael and the joys of her life, her twin sons, William and James. She was 48 years old.Julie had a remarkably upbeat personality and her smile and laugh were contagious. She was a friend to everyone at PAMS and made everyone she ever met feel welcome.Julie was PAMS's very first full-time executive director, a post that she assumed shortly...