WASHINGTON—This year has been huge for the HME industry on Capitol Hill. With the introduction of H.R. 4920 and the AIR Act, we're fighting hard to get our issues to the forefront of our representatives’ minds. The 2015 Washington Legislative Conference, taking place May 19-20, 2015, will be more important than ever.
We'll work with you to schedule the right appointments.
HomeCare News
WASHINGTON—AAHomecare has developed the Focus on Compliance Workbook to help HME providers develop their company’s compliance program.
WASHINGTON (July 17, 2014)—As a barrage of government audits cripple many home medical equipment companies, legislation proposed in the House would restrict the audits and bring relief to the beleaguered providers. These companies supply Medicare beneficiaries with critical equipment such as oxygen therapy, power wheelchairs and diabetic testing materials.
For years, rampant audits have been a financial burden for providers—many small or family-owned businesses.
WASHINGTON (July 15, 2014)—On July 15, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to recompete the supplier contracts awarded in Round 2 of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. CMS is required by law to recompete contracts under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program at least once every three years.
WASHINGTON (July 16, 2014)—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has launched fixmedicareaudits.org as the new headquarters for DME audit reform.
The site will act as a one-stop shop for visitors to learn everything they need to know about audit reform and how to support the Audit Improvement and Reform (AIR) Act. The AIR Act, H.R.
BUFFALO GROVE, IL—NorthShore Care Supply announced Laurie Aines as Vice President, e-Commerce Marketing and Sales. Laurie will be responsible for developing and implementing the company marketing strategy to result in continued sales growth.
Laurie comes to NorthShore Care Supply from health care companies such as BioScrip, Inc. and CVS Caremark, and other industries including manufacturing, distribution and retail. “We are excited to have Laurie join us to lead our e-commerce marketing team.
ATLANTA (July 17, 2014)—The upcoming Medtrade Conference & Exposition (Oct 20-23 in Atlanta) provides a great opportunity to come face to face with a variety of speakers and exhibitors who offer real-world advice and a myriad of product options.
Speaking of face to face, it’s also a great opportunity to come and learn about that very issue. Providers who are confused about the face-to-face (FTF) requirements may wish to attend an educational session with consultant Andrea Stark.
SPRING HOUSE, Penn.—Sandra C. Canally, RN, founder and president of The Compliance Team (TCT), announced in a company-wide email that enrollment in TCT’s industry leading web-based patient satisfaction reporting and benchmarking service has been expanded to include all DMEPOS provider organizations, whether accredited by The Compliance Team or by another Medicare-approved accreditation organization.
NEW YORK (July 14, 2014)—Unique Wellness, the first solution-based disposable adult diaper manufacturer, has launched a free in-store pilot program. They will provide one free case (3 packs) in each size of briefs (diapers) or pull-ups, samples and posters to allow stores the ability to test market their revolutionary NASA-inspired products.
Unique Wellness was awarded the coveted Medtrade 2013 Innovative Retail Product Award.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (July 8, 2014)—In a recent decision by the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Board of Prosthetics, Orthotics and Pedorthics (Kentucky Board), the board affirmed the conclusion of an independent report that found that the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) and American Board for Certification (ABC) certification exams are equally valid testing options.
WASHINGTON (July 9, 2014)—Congressmen Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) and John Larson (D-Conn.)—both long-standing advocates for the home care community—will sponsor a bipartisan piece of legislation that would reform the Medicare bidding program to make it more equitable. The Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act, H.R. 4920, would make bids from suppliers to provide durable medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic devices and supplies (DMEPOS) binding under the Medicare bidding program.
H.R.
DENVER—Naturs Design Inc., the maker of RemZzzs CPAP mask liners, announced the debut of a product for customers with nasal pillows style PAP masks. Along with users of more traditional PAP mask styles, users of nasal pillows frequently end up with skin irritation and tissue breakdown.
BILLINGS, Mont. (July 9, 2014)—Emerging medical device company, ExcelHealth Inc. received a license for commercial sale of its first product, the iReliev Pain Management System (ET-1313) from Health Canada. The device, which utilizes (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) TENS technology to relieve acute and chronic pain, is now available to medical professionals and consumers alike in Canada and the U.S.
ELYRIA, Ohio (July 7, 2014)—Invacare Corporation announced the introduction of its new unilateral Internet Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) Policy for the U.S.
The MAP Policy is applicable to all U.S. customers who sell and market Invacare products over the Internet (e-commerce providers).
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (July 8, 2014)—Drive Medical, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of durable medical products, announced that it has acquired Dupont Medical, a manufacturer and distributor of health care products in France. The company operates from a 175,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located in Frouard, France.
Washington, D.C. (July 11, 2014)—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced the introduction of a new piece of legislation to fix the broken Medicare audit system. The Audit Improvement and Reform Act (AIR Act), sponsored by Reps. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) and John Barrow (D-Ga.), will increase transparency, education and outreach, and reward suppliers that have low error rates on audited claims.
WASHINGTON (June 27, 2014)—Tyler Riddle, owner of MRS Homecare in Albany, Ga., joined six durable medical equipment providers and Peggy Walker, director of reimbursement services for VGM Group, Inc., in testifying at the 2014 National Regulatory Fairness Hearing in Washington D.C.
For 34 years, MRS Homecare has served seniors and people with disabilities who rely on quality medical equipment.
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio and NORWELL, Mass. (July 1, 2014)—Roscoe Medical (roscoemedical.com) and Carex Health Brands (carex.com)announced the new name and brand identity of their parent holding company, Compass Health Brands.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (July 2, 2014)—Valid and reliable examinations are used by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) to ensure its certified individuals have the knowledge and skills required to serve patients in their fields. Recently, BOC’s chief credentialing officer, Wendy Miller, BOCO, CDME, along with testing professionals from Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc.