BOTHELL, Wash. (June 10, 2020)—On May 29, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its policy for HCPCS E0467 (Multi-Function Ventilator) removing “same or similar” restrictions and paving the way for increased access to integrated respiratory care for ventilator users regardless of their device billing history.
HomeCare News
ORANGE, Calif. (JUNE 03, 2020)—GrandPad, creator of the first purpose-built tablet for people over 75, announced the addition of connected device capabilities to its mobile device and telehealth platform to support virtual care and remote monitoring for health care providers.
WASHINTON, D.C. (June 10, 2020)—AAHomecare’s membership approved a new leadership slate, installing Bill Guidetti (executive vice president, East Zone, Apria Healthcare – Red Bank, N.J.) as chairman of the Board. Other officers elected include:
BOCA RATON, Fla. (June 10, 2020)—Clear Arch Health, a provider of mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS) and remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology, announced a new program designed to address both emergent medical needs and social determinants of health (SDOH).
Liz Szabo, Kaiser Health News
Doctors are fighting not only to save lives from COVID-19, but also to protect patients’ brains.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2020)—On June 2, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to modify aspects of various innovation models being administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) in response to COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
SAN FRANCISCO (June 8, 2020)—There are 13 million pushes of passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) in North America each year, according to surveys conducted by WHILL, a mobility service company. At $45-$60 a push, this adds up. Add in the current COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing guidelines, PRM operation is difficult to manage.
WATERLOO, Iowa (June 5, 2020)—VGM & Associates have released three new resources to help members navigate the new business climate post-PHE. These resources include the latest edition of the VGM playbook, a remote guide to help members transition into a virtual working environment, and a re-opening checklist to help businesses prepare for the new environment.
SACREMENTO, Calif. (June 5, 2020)—California HME stakeholders achieved a measure of success last year in pushing back against a Medi-Cal proposal for Medicaid reimbursement rates based on 80% of non-rural Medicare rates, convincing the agency to use higher rural rates, instead. The new rates went into effect in April 2020 and will be applied retroactively to January 2019; Medi-Cal is anticipated to begin recoupments soon.
BRADENTON, Fla, (June 5, 2020)—Tyton Design & Development, originally a wheelchair accessory manufacturer, announced that they are focusing on providing facemasks throughout the United States. Due to recent events, the average person is at a loss to find proper protection during the pandemic. Tyton decided to do its part for the community, and now the nation. Already providing thousands of masks across Florida, Tyton decided to open its doors to individuals across all fifty states.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (June 5, 2020)—QS/1 announced the launch of the iQ Virtual Series. This online educational experience will take the place of the much anticipated 2020 iQ Conference, canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The iQ Virtual Series will offer product training, industry education, continuing education credits, and provide an ongoing educational platform for QS/1 customers.
FRESNO, California, (June 4, 2020)—Sunrise Medical announced an update to the website. The updated website has several important enhancements including a refreshed modern look and an improved navigation experience for mobile users.
Specifically designed with our clients, clinicians and dealers in mind, the updated website also provides:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., (June 4, 2020)—ATC Alert LLC, a connected health company, announced the completion of its acquisition of East Rock Medical Alert's personal emergency response system (PERS) accounts.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 3, 2020)—As announced first in January 2019, starting in calendar year (CY) 2021 (and through CY 2024) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin a demonstration program under the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) model to test coverage of hospice care as part of the Medicare Advantage (MA) benefit package.
BALL GROUND, Ga. (June 3, 2020)—CAIRE Inc., a provider of respiratory solutions for the global health care community, announced the acquisition of Spirosure, Inc. Spirosure is a California-based developer and manufacturer of a technology for measuring Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), a key indicator of allergic inflammation in asthmatic patients.
TAMPA, Fla. (June 3, 2020)—Osceola Capital, a lower middle-market private equity firm focused on service businesses, announced that it has partnered with management to recapitalize Central Medical Group (CMG).
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (June 3, 2020)—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) launched a new live, remote proctored testing option, enabling certification candidates to complete their exams online–using their home or office computer–and earn BOC certification.
BIRMINGAM, Ala. (June 2, 2020)—The coronavirus crisis has not had a huge impact on M&A activity, said Mertz-Taggart, a health care services M&A firm in their quarterly update. Rather, Q2 transactions have been predictably impacted by the Patient Driven Groupings Model.
ASSOCIATED PRESS (June 2, 2020)—Will temperature checks of employees make workplaces safe?
No, not completely. They can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections but shouldn’t be the only safety measure employers take.
Some employers are following White House guidelines to screen workers for a fever with daily temperature checks to help prevent the spread of infections.
WASHINGTON, D.C (May 29, 2020)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Medicare Program: Contract Year 2021 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program, with important information about the special election period for hospice beneficiaries.