(May 29, 2014)—On May 28, 2014, New Jersey public television affiliate NJTV featured a story on how the bidding process is hurting local suppliers and patients. Click here to watch the story.
HomeCare News
ATLANTA (May 29, 2014)—Brightree, a provider of cloud-based clinical, billing and business management software solutions for the post-acute care industry, announced that it has strengthened its electronic data exchange relationship with McKesson Medical-Surgical Minnesota Supply Inc. Brightree will now offer electronic purchasing transactions and initial program setup at no charge for Brightree customers through McKesson Direct, an electronic order interface for HME providers.
ATLANTA (May 29, 2014)—Exhibitors are quickly buying available booth space in advance of Medtrade, the nation’s premiere HME trade show, scheduled for Oct. 20-23, 2014, in Atlanta. “As of May 29, 2014, manufacturers have bought up 93 percent of the Medtrade booth space allotted at the Georgia World Congress Center,” says Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade.
(May 28, 2014)—Congressman Jim Renacci (R-Ohio), a former DME provider who lost his bid in the Round One Rebid, has become an incredible champion for the industry. Rep. Renacci has asked the industry to tell its story. Renacci wants to hear directly from suppliers about how the bidding and re-review process is hurting them.
Click here to take a brief survey and AAHomecare will send the results directly to the Congressman.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 21, 2014)—A new study presented at the American Thoracic Society 2014 International Conference indicates that a new algorithm developed specifically for how female sleep apnea sufferers breathe—and who use auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy—can improve flow limitation and enable lower pressures for therapy, leading to a more comfortable therapy experience.
WASHINGTON (May 21, 2014)—Fresh off his appearance at the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, Congressman Jim Rencacci (R-Ohio), a former DME provider who lost his bid in the Round One Rebid, is seeking direct feedback from suppliers on the bidding and re-review process for a roundtable he is hosting in Ohio on June 5, 2014.
WATERLOO, Iowa (May 16, 2014)—VGM Group, Inc., in partnership with Health Market Science, is offering its members exclusive access to the largest and most comprehensive health care claims database in the country. VGM Market Data includes referral information on more than 8 million practitioners and 1.2 billion claims. “This exclusive program will allow our members to distance themselves from their competitors.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (May 19, 2014)—SCA, a leading global products company and the maker of TENA incontinence and skin care products, announced that TENA Identifi, a new continence care technology, is currently in the final stages of regulatory clearance for an introduction to the United States market.
WASHINGTON (May 21, 2014)—Providers will have more time to prepare for the transition to ICD-10 codes. HHS expects to release an interim final rule in the near future that will include a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning Oct. 1, 2015.The rule will also require HIPAA covered entities to continue to use ICD-9-CM through Sept. 30, 2015. Last month, Congress passed legislation that prohibits the HHS Secretary from implementing ICD-10 prior to Oct. 1, 2015.
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (May 19, 2014)—Drive Medical Limited, a manufacturer and distributor of durable medical equipment in the European market, announced the acquisition of certain product lines of Days Healthcare from Patterson Medical Limited.
The product lines acquired include home care and long-term care beds, mobility scooters, powered and configured wheelchairs, riser recliner products, hoists and other related items.
MEXICO CITY (May 22, 2014)—Emerald Expositions and Medtrade are teaming up with CloserStill Media, (the organizers of Trade Days) and LiveMed (organizers of ExpoMed). The agreements are expected to provide Medtrade exhibitors with an opportunity to reach new international markets through participation in these events.
WASHINGTON (May 15, 2014)—With a sense of energy in the air, the 2014 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference opened with the announcement that Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) has agreed to sponsor audit reform legislation.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (May 8, 2014)—Completely refinished and up to 20 percent less, Responsive Respiratory’s RestoredO2 cylinders are a price-conscious solution for home care provider. RestoredO2 cylinders allow providers to reduce cost without sacrificing quality.
Every RestoredO2 cylinder is completely refinished with new hydro test and finish. “You cannot tell the difference between the new and RestoredO2.
TULSA, Okla. (May 12, 2014)—More than 50 million people in the U.S. have problems putting on and taking off their footwear. More than 1 million people in the U.S. have major orthopedic surgeries every year and are not allowed to bend or reach for six to eight months. The Shoe Boot Valet (SBV) is the only device specifically developed to assist the mobility-challenged person with pulling on and taking off their footwear without having to bend or reach.
EXETER, Pa. (May 12, 2014)—Quantum Rehab, a Pride Mobility Products company, announced its acquisition of Texas-based Stealth Products, Inc., a leader in complex rehab technology components and accessories.
CMS recently launched an emergency initiative to nearly triple the size of the current Power Mobility Device (PMD) Prior Authorization Demonstration. Expanding this program will mandate that providers in 12 additional states will be required to obtain prior authorization from Medicare for power mobility for select HCPCS codes. This expansion has been welcomed by industry stakeholders that commented in favor of the expansion.
LAKE WALES, Fla. (May 15, 2014)—3B Medical, Inc. introduced the iVolve mask series, which consists of the iVolve N2 Mini-Nasal, the iVolve Nasal and the iVolve Full Face Mask. These three new masks, together with the Willow Nasal Pillow Interface, give 3B a new interface offering aimed at maximizing patient comfort at a comfortable price.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (May 8, 2014)—Mediware announced that it has entered into a business relationship with Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc. (FOTO).
With Heartland’s all-inclusive pricing, you receive education, meals, transportation and entertainment.
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (April 29, 2014)—The new Bobcat X, available this month, is Drive’s latest lightweight transportable scooter. It is an entry-level scooter providing mobility to a wide variety of users.