April 2011

HME billers' nemesis, the KX modifier is back in the spotlight after a notice from Jurisdiction B reminded providers that its improper use could lead to a false claims violation and a hefty fine.
In only a few more days, direct dial-up options to the Common Electronic Data Interchange will no longer be available. As of May 1, all providers will be required to use an approved network service vendor for access
National Government Services, Jurisdiction B DME MAC, said it is continuing a widespread prepayment medical review for K0823 power chairs.
Under a revised schedule presented today at a meeting of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee, the implementation of Round 2 will not begin until the summer of 2013.
As a kid, my son's favorite movie was one of the hokiest Japanese sci-fi monster flicks ever. I can't count the number of times that on family movie night,

In the summer of 1995, David Wagner faced a major injury and an uncertain future. An accident in the surf off the coast of Redondo Beach, Calif., left
The HME industry's effort to repeal competitive bidding got a critical boost last month with the introduction of H.R. 1041 by Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa.,
The CPAP market looks a lot like the rest of the home care industry these days: full of potential mixed with uncertainty.
According to some great information RemitDATA has provided, the overall denial rate for the E0143 (walker, folding, wheeled, adjustable or fixed height)
As the sleep community becomes more aware of the incidence of complex sleep apnea, HME providers are seeing more requests to distribute the E0471 respiratory
During 15 years in the business, the president and founder of Alpine Home Medical has simultaneously worked to prepare for and kill competitive bidding.

More than 250 HME providers and other advocates called on members of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 1041 during the American Association for Homecare's Legislative
Where do we go from here? Round 1 of competitive bidding is in place and we are facing Round 2. After what seems a lifetime of study, trial programs and
Providers can thank the real estate market if they are seeing increased demand for patient lifts and ramps. In a better real estate environment, an older
I will never forget my freshman year of college when I walked into the first day of a political science class, took my seat and waited eagerly for my
All involved in the home care industry are very familiar with CMS, OIG and the Stark law. We keep current with issues around ZPIC, RAC and DME MAC audits.
The revised Medicare supplier enrollment standards for DMEPOS have been in force for six months or so, since Sept. 27, 2010. Home medical equipment companies

Patient advocates and home care providers are working together to highlight the importance of H.R. 1041, the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act, which would
Why HME shouldn't be subject to PPACA's medical device excise tax Earlier in 2011, industry stakeholders submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service
After several months of operating a new HME retail store, the owners, who had expanded from a traditional HME business, are very disappointed. Sales are
Education and training are everywhere. Just turn around and you will find another consultant to help you build your business. Make another turn and someone
Over 98,000 DME providers became accredited or re-accredited in 2008 and 2009. More than three-quarters of them became accredited for the first time.