Features
Need vs. Fees
It's no secret that rehab providers have always faced some tricky reimbursement challenges. Finding the funding for technology advancements and quality-of-life
Author
Denise H. McClinton
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Software
Pulmonary Prognosis
The numbers are staggering. Statistics show that millions of Americans are affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the fourth leading -
Software
Sleep Savvy
It's no surprise that home medical equipment providers continue to increase their involvement with the growing sleep disorders market. There are 12 million -
Software
New Kids on the HME Block
As Winston Churchill said, Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. That is certainly true for those who choose to purchase or start a -
Software
Up in the Air
The number of Americans with asthma and allergies continues to grow. Statistics from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology show that -
Legislation & Regulation
A Hard Look Ahead
Respiratory care providers and manufacturers are no strangers to the government’s curve balls. Providers who participate in the Medicare program have made numerous changes to their business practices over the past two decades and, even with effects of such disastrous legislation as the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, have managed to remain solvent while keeping a focus on patient care and superior service. However, some industry leaders say provisions in the new Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) could have the greatest impact thus far. Aside from provisions mandating competitive bidding and provider accreditation, additional components of the MMA hit the home respiratory care market head-on. These include a freeze on price increases; a reduction in payment for respiratory medication; a change in the payment model for... -
Home Health
An Overnight Success
The number of people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea continues to rise, making this a lucrative, yet challenging, opportunity for the home medical equipment industry. Patients with OSA, however, are not most providers’ classic customers. Namely, they are not typically Medicare beneficiaries, which means providers must rethink how they market to this population. Likewise, payer sources expect positive outcomes, which means patient compliance is integral to the success of an OSA program. There are certain characteristics that describe the typical OSA patient, such as middle-aged, male and overweight, but research is demonstrating that additional factors also come into play. “Generally, the most affected population is middle-aged males, though postmenopausal women face similar increased incidence,” says Nicholas J. Macmillan, global sleep products manager for Sunrise Medical’s... -
HME Products
Moving Forward and Making Sense
Oxygen therapy, one of the strongholds of the home medical equipment industry, is moving forward at a new speed. Changing patient demographics, decreasing reimbursement rates and an increasing need for more efficient products have prompted manufacturers to drive new technology to a different level. The result: healthier patients and more profitable providers. In 2001, more than 13 million adults in the United States were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the American Lung Association. However, experts say that number could be much higher, with estimates ranging from 24 million to 35 million individuals affected. Organizations such as the ALA and the American College of Chest Physicians have initiated educational programs that encourage family physicians to diagnose COPD earlier so treatment can begin sooner.... -
With Service and Sensitivity
Manufacturers of post-mastectomy products and breastfeeding supplies have raised the bar this year by improving comfort, durability and efficiency all -
Operations
SMART Software
The uncertainty that remains a constant in the home medical equipment industry fortunately is alleviated by the solutions HME software programs offer. Providers can streamline business functions, increase claims accuracy, decrease denials and fully manage their companies’ assets while remaining compliant with ever-changing regulations. Yet, a significant challenge remains: How can providers better use available technology to take full advantage of their software’s existing features? Freedom from the burdensome paper trail is a tremendous benefit, particularly in this industry, which is overly dependent on forms. “Instead of being bogged down with paperwork, HME software can take you from your purchase orders right through to electronic claims and accounts receivable as one integrated process,” says Brian Williams, marketing manager for Computer Applications Unlimited in Harrisburg, Pa....