CMS’ Competitve Bidding Panel

The government’s 21-member DME competitive bidding advisory committee will include the following members:

• Cara Bachenheimer, Vice President of Government Relations, Invacare Corp.
• Robert Baum, Program Manager for the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, Strategic Healthcare Group, Veterans Health Administration (VA) Central office, Washington, D.C.
• Mary Benhardus, Founder and controlling owner, Handi Medical Supply Inc.
• Henry Claypool, Expert adviser to Social Security Administration’s Deputy Commissioner to advise on Interim Medical Benefits
• Asela Cuervo, Adviser, American Association for Homecare
• David Gray, Associate Professor of Neurology and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine.
• Don Hawley, DDS, Program Director, Utah Department of Health, Division of Utah Health Care Financing
• Lawrence Higby, President and CEO, Apria Healthcare
• Rita Hostak, Vice President, Home Healthcare Group of Sunrise Medical, Inc.
• Dave Kazynski, President, Van G. Miller & Associates’ HOMELINK division
• Anthony Filippis, President and CEO, Wright & Filippis; practicing certified prosthetist/orthotist
• Alan McMullen, Cost Reimbursement Analyst, Medical Assistance Administration, Department of Social & Health Services, State of Washington
• Jean Minkel, Founder and President, Minkel Consulting; specializes in assistive technology
• William Popomaronis, Vice President, Long-Term/Home Health Care Pharmacy Services, The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
• Maryanne Popovich, Executive Director, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
• John Prassas, Director, Corporate Provider Development & Contracting, PacifiCare Health Plans
• Chris Reisdorf, Manager, Benefit Policy Unit — Minnesota Health Care Programs — Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care, and Minnesota Care programs
• David Van Sleet, VISN 1 Prosthetics Manager, Department of Veterans Affairs, New England Healthcare System
• Ken Viste, MD, Medical Director, Physical Rehabilitation Unit Mercy Medical Center and Staff Physician, St. Agnes Hospital
• Don Vliegenthart, MD, Medical Director, Hoveround Corp.
• Daniel Waldmann, Director of Federal Affairs, Johnson & Johnson, Inc.