Editor’s Inbox

Big or Small, Providers Prove They Can Weather the Storm

[Regarding the article “East Coast Providers Weather Isabel,” HomeCare Monday, Sept. 22], we were the first and only DME company here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

We, too, followed up on all of our oxygen patients before the storm. Charlie Watson of the Emergency Medical Services along with Dare County Home Health and Ellie Ward assisted me in making sure patients that were not even under my care were provided for during the hurricane if needed.

Once again, the little guy comes through.
— Michael Melson, owner, Advantage Medcare Systems, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Manufacturers Have a Role in Fraud Prevention

The federal government should realize that the provider cannot commit fraud without the assistance of manufacturers and distributors, who at the very least, must look the other way for the sake of sales.

While manufacturers and distributors are very preoccupied with checking the credit of the providers they sell to, they pay no attention to their legitimacy. Not one manufacturer or distributor verifies if a dealer is licensed in states where licensure is required, nor do they verify if a dealer meets the supplier standards. It would be as simple as calling and realizing that if the provider has an answering machine, the provider fails to meet the standards. AAHomecare should point this out to lawmakers.
— Angel Nello Pardo, president, DMR Corp., Miami

Editor’s Note: A number of providers have contacted our offices in recent weeks asking how they can report suspected Medicare fraud. The Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has set up a Medicare fraud hotline that you can call (800/447-8477), fax (800/223-2164), e-mail ([email protected]) or mail (Office of the Inspector General, HHS Tips Hotline, P.O. Box 23489, Washington, DC 20026).

Prial an ‘Industry Treasure’

I just want to let you know how much I enjoy the “Shelly Sez” column.

I have known Shelly for many years and find him to be one of the brightest and most insightful people in our industry. I am sure that his column is of great value to the multitude of small mom-and-pop businesses that populate our industry.

I believe that Shelly is an industry treasure that everyone should be afforded an opportunity to benefit from. I commend you for bringing him to us monthly.
— Pat Egan, division president, American Homecare Supply W. N.Y., Buffalo, N.Y.

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