HomeCare News
FARGO, N.D. (July 20, 2017)—Last week, AAHomecare hosted an educational session for DME MAC and PDAC personnel in Fargo, North Dakota, on manual, power and CRT wheelchairs and accessories. Kim Brummett, AAHomecare’s vice president of regulatory affairs, and representatives from member companies who manufacture mobility products were on hand to demonstrate equipment and accessories to approximately 35 individuals involved in audits, coding and claims analysis.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 20, 2017)—Storms are brewing, and not just the metaphorical kind caused by crushing reimbursement and regulations. As we move into the late summer months, suppliers are readying their companies for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, heat waves and other disasters that wreak havoc on communities, leaving their customers in need of vital equipment and services.
AMSTERDAM, (July 19, 2017)—Stemming from the success and positive reception of DreamWear, Royal Philips has introduced a new option to its award-winning line of innovative, open-face sleep therapy masks. The new Gel Pillows module features the same comfort and freedom of movement as the original, but now offers an additional choice in cushion type that can be easily changed out within the same mask frame.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (July 19, 2017)—Sonas Home Health Care Group, one of the largest homecare service organizations in Florida, has announced the appointment of Patrick Daly as Chief Executive Officer to lead the strategic growth of the group of private duty registries and licensed homecare agencies.
ATLANTA (July 18, 2017)—One hundred days remain until Medtrade, the fall edition of the nation’s premiere HME trade show. Registration is officially open, and advance rates are in effect until August 26, 2017. The show convenes October 23–25, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta,Georgia.
ATLANTA (July 17, 2017)—Brightree, a provider of cloud-based patient management software for post-acute care companies, announced the release of OASIS (Outcome and Assessment Information Set) review to its billing and coding suite of services for home health and hospice agencies.
COSTA MESA, Calif. (July 17, 2017)—CareCredit will provide financing options for patients who need oxygen therapy care at nearly 20,000 providers across the country under a new, multi-year agreement with OxyGo, a provider for oxygen therapy equipment and services.
CareCredit is a provider of promotional health care financing, serving millions of people each year.
2017 National Health Care Fraud Takedown
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, along with state and federal law enforcement partners, participated in the largest health care fraud takedown in history in July 2017. (Office of Inspector General)
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. (July 13, 2017)—Patients have better outcomes when provided anti-infective home infusion education prior to discharge from the hospital, suggests Option Care data presented at the 2017 National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) Annual Conference & Exposition.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13, 2017)—The latest HME Audit Key survey results, running through the first quarter of 2017, show continued appeal determinations in favor of suppliers in several product categories, including overturn rates of 68 percent for respiratory products, 77 percent for ostomy, urological, wound care, and diabetic supplies, and 81 percent for NPWT devices and supplies. Other highlights from this round include:
WATERLOO, Iowa (July 12, 2017)—VGM Group, Inc. has released the names of the five members who will serve on the HME Woman of the Year Honorary Selection Committee.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (July 12, 2017)—Merits Health Products is happy to announce their new home access division, Pilot. Andy and Lisa Scothern will be heading up this new division.
“We’re thrilled to have them on board they bring extensive industry knowledge and experience,” said Chris Blackmore, national director of business and product development.
—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2017)—CMS launched a new Quality Payment Program (QPP) webpage dedicated to doctors and other clinicians working in small or rural practices as well as those treating patients in underserved areas. This page provides:
KISSIMEE, Fla (July 10, 2017)—Team USA, the two-time World Cup Power Soccer champions, took second place yesterday in the 2017 Fédération Internationale of Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA) World Cup in Kissimee, Florida. Team USA was going for its third consecutive World Cup win. Medtrade attendees saw Team USA demonstration games in Atlanta last year.
ROSEVILLE, Calif. (July 11, 2017)—Always Best Care Senior Services, a senior care franchise system in the United States, announced the winners of its annual Caregiver of the Year Awards. Always Best Care awarded nine of its caregivers at its Bi-Annual Franchise Conference in Miami last month. Since launching the annual program in 2013, Always Best Care has recognized its caregivers who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the care of their clients and their families.
TUCSON, Ariz. (July 10, 2017)—COPD hospitalizations are at an all-time high. The 30-day readmission rate for patients ranges from 20 to 39 percent, with related health care costs at an estimated $50 billion. A recently published study, funded by Royal Philips, revealed that although positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was associated with a reduction in hospitalization, more than 92 percent of patients studied were not receiving it in any form.
NEW YORK (July 10, 2017)—United Spinal Association announced the appointment of Lisa Wells, vice president of marketing at Cure Medical from Las Vegas, Nevada, as a member of its Board of Directors.
“After serving people with disabilities for nearly a decade, this is a wonderful opportunity to further the support, programs and resources available to people who use wheelchairs nationwide,” said Wells.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7, 2017)—TRICARE is issuing its first official acknowledgements that they will reprocess claims from July 1 through December 31, 2016 to reflect adjustments to the fee schedule mandated by last December’s CURES bill.