—Via AAHomecare—WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 15, 2017)—On account of requests from several providers to extend the deadline to enter 2nd Quarter 2017 HME Audit Key data, the survey will remain open until Friday, August 25.
HomeCare News
Proposed rule updates geographic areas and mandatory participation requirements.
—Via CMS—WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 15, 2017)—Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed rule to reduce the number of mandatory geographic areas participating in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s (Innovation Center) Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model from 67 to 34. In addition, CMS proposes to allow CJR participants in the 33 remaining areas to participate on a voluntary basis.
Report says gardening and musical instruments are more beneficial to brain health than puzzle learning games.
BANGOR, Wales (August 14, 2017)—A care provider in Wales says it encourages its service users to engage in activities such as learning an instrument or gardening after a report revealed these are the best ways to stimulate the brain.
White paper will serve as tool for industry advocacy.
WATERLOO, Iowa (August 14, 2017)—U.S. Rehab, a division of the VGM Group Inc., released its white paper analyzing the current state of the DMEPOS industry.
The community seeks to unite special needs family with resources and each other.
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (August 14, 2017)—Inspired by Drive, a Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare-owned brand, officially launched its new “Live Inspired” online community last week.
Many older adults do not follow up on fall prevention education after an initial fall.
BOSTON (August 10, 2017)—Adults age 65 and older who go to the emergency department (ED) for a fall-related injury are not likely to participate in a fall prevention program after being discharged, despite being given a flyer for a local program before leaving the hospital.
Innovative care plans for patients are now incorporated into the agency's model.
SAN FRANCISCO (August 9, 2017)—People living with Parkinson’s disease can now have the latest care recommendations incorporated into their personal care plans thanks to a partnership between Home Care Assistance, a provider of in-home care for seniors, and the Parkinson’s Foundation.
William A. Dombi is a well-known health care and homecare lawyer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 9, 2017)—William A. Dombi has been chosen as interim president of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). The NAHC Board of Directors voted to appoint him to this role following the recent death of longtime NAHC President Val. J. Halamandaris.
Don't miss the chance to nominate a top woman in HME
WATERLOO, Iowa (August 9, 2017)—The nomination period for HME Woman of the Year award closes Monday, August 14, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Nominations are open to all women in the HME industry and requires the nominator to complete four questions stating how their nominee has made an impact on the industry.
WATERLOO, Iowa (August 8, 2017)—EZ-ACCESS and VGM Forbin are pleased to announce the launch of the new EZ-ACCESS website: ezaccess.com. The updated website, created by VGM Forbin, was designed to help current and prospective customers searching for products have a better user experience.
QIR certification ensures credit and data security for pharmacy customers.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (August 8, 2017)—QS/1 continues its effort to not only improve the health of our pharmacies’ patients, but also protect their sensitive financial information. With growing concerns of credit card data being compromised on merchant networks, QS/1 is proud to meet the stringent guidelines of the Qualified Integrators and Resellers (QIR) Program.
The program offers discounts to providers to offset the costs of orthotics for those on fixed incomes.
ROSWELL Ga. (August 8, 2017)—The drastic increase in the percentage of claims being denied by Medicare has been attributed as the reason why many providers have decided to get out of the foot health care segment completely. This has resulted in many patients having to look elsewhere for help in finding suitable orthopedic footwear. Occupational and physical therapists are those closest to the patient on a regular basis.
The original design was developed by the Air Force.
BALL GROUND, Ga. (August 8, 2017)—CAIRE Inc. formally announced the launch of the new SAROS 15 oxygen concentrator for combat casualty care at its respiratory Center of Excellence in Ball Ground.
Florida's top caregivers were honored by the association in late July.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (August 7, 2017)—The Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) is proud to announce the 2017 winners of its 6th Annual Excellence in Home Care Awards. Today’s thriving homecare industry was built by the leadership, dedication and hard work of these and other Association members.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (August 7, 2017)—Numotion, a provider of complex rehab technology (CRT), has acquired the rehab division of CVC Home Medical in Wilmington, N.C., extending its reach and capacity in eastern North Carolina. CVC has been in business for more than 20 years, serving thousands of customers in the Wilmington and Morehead City areas.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (August 7, 2017)—Smith Drug Company (SDC) has announced that Matthew Pike has been named to the newly-created position of associate vice president of strategy, Industry Relations. In this role, Pike will work with Smith Drug Company to develop and operationalize strategy designed to maximize efficiencies and market share. Pike will also leverage his background as a resource for industry relations.
Meeting and follow-up letter highlighted patient access in non-competitive bid areas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2, 2017)—AAHomecare’s Kim Brummett and Mina Uehara recently participated in a Government Accounting Office (GAO) interview regarding patient access in non-competitive bid areas and followed up with a letter to the Agency summarizing key points from the session. In discussing the effects on patient access since the 2016 cuts, AAHomecare notes:
The grant helps further testing for personal sound amplification products for seniors.
GLENDALE, Calif. (August 2, 2017)—Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing (FPCIW), part of Front Porch, a not-for-profit organization that serves individuals and families through full-service retirement, active adult communities and affordable housing communities, announced today it was chosen as a grant recipient by The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation for its “Hearables for All” project.