In Brief

A one-time, in-office procedure to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has received FDA clearance. The Pillar Procedure, developed by St. Paul, Minn.-based Restore Medical, treats sleep apnea with implants in the patient’s soft palate, causing the palate to stiffen and prevent or lessen airway blockages during sleep, a contributor in nearly 80 percent of OSA patients, the company said. Although developed as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, OSA industry analyst Joanne Wuensch of Harris Nesbitt told Reuters that it was too soon to tell how the procedure will affect the CPAP market, because there are so many different causes of OSA. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates more than 12 million people suffer from the disorder, which can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, memory problems, impotency and headaches.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has approved an overall 2005 survey fee increase across all of its accreditation programs. The increases, the second in the last decade, will vary by program and, within programs, will vary by types and volumes of services provided. The organization estimated that, on average, its home care accreditation program triennial fee will increase by $880. JCAHO also announced plans to institute a subscription billing model in 2006 that will allow accredited organizations to spread survey fees over its three-year accreditation cycle.

Since HHS’ Sept. 3 announcement of the largest premium hike for the Medicare Part B benefit in the program’s history, the increase has sparked debate. “This record high 17.3 percent Medicare premium jump is a body blow to millions of older Americans living on fixed incomes,” said Robert Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center, a Washington-based consumer group. The 2005 monthly premium for the Part B program — which pays for physician services, hospital outpatient care and DME-will rise from $66.60 to $78.20. CMS Administrator Dr. Mark McClellan said the rate increase will help to pay for better Medicare benefits including access to physician services and new preventive benefits, such as the new “Welcome to Medicare” physical screening exams and improved Medicare Advantage plan choices.

Medicare contractors must expand and improve their customer service programs by 2005 to comply with new federal regulations, CMS told its contractors last month. Part of MMA, the Provider Customer Service Program requires contractors, including the DMERCs, to have staff dedicated exclusively to provider-related work. New regulations for contractors include maintaining a Web site and phone system to give providers more self-serve options, creating a contact center responsible for responding to providers’ inquiries and improving provider outreach and education activities. Medicare contractors also will be required to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.