Editor’s Inbox

Small DME, Big Decision

Regarding the California court ruling on CMNs (HomeCare Monday, July 12, 2004), WOW!! What a victory, even if it is only a preliminary judgment. This could certainly set a huge precedent and cost Medicare a fortune.

It used to be that claims payments were based on CMNs properly done. Now a CMN alone is not enough on most things, and you have to have access to additional documentation on everything, such as oxygen, etc.

I do believe the crooks need to be eliminated — and there are many out there — but all providers are being penalized. CMS has quite a job ahead.
— Sarah Lott, president, Texas Star Medical Billing, Inc., Vidor, Texas

Shelly, What Sez You About This?

So, Mr. Prial, are you leaning toward one presidential candidate? Just curious after reading your article (“Shelly Sez,” August 2004).
— Vail Horton, Keen Mobility Co., Portland, Ore.

HomeCare columnist Shelly Prial re-sponds: I never decide until almost the last minute for whom I will cast my vote. The reason for that indecision is that I like to hear all of the promises made and review what has or has not been accomplished by each candidate. If the candidate has no political history, I try to get information about their business and past activities.

I also write letters to local and national candidates and ask about their thoughts to address the problems facing our industry. In this fashion, I have started a dialog, and hopefully, this will enable me to deliver our industry’s message.

Note: For a rundown of the presidential candidates’ health plans — and how they might affect HME — see page 24.

E-mail your letters to Editor-in-Chief Gail Walker at [email protected].