BETHESDA, Md. (Dec. 2, 2013)—According to the National Institute on Aging, researchers can now freely access the first batch of genome sequence data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced.
HomeCare News
MURRYSVILLE, Pa. (Nov. 21, 2013)—Philips Respironics, a pioneer in science-based sleep solutions, brings a new comfort option with the Amara gel cushion—part of a groundbreaking series of new masks and services that are setting a new standard for patient care.
The introduction to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and to a full face mask can be challenging for some patients.
LAKE WALES, Fla. (Nov. 22, 2013)—3B/BMC, a global supplier and leader in sleep diagnostics and sleep therapy products, introduces its nPAP Data Analyzer Software.
The nPAP Data Analyzer works in conjunction with 3B’s line of CPAP and auto-CPAP devices.
On Nov. 22, CMS issued the final 2014 home health care payment rule. The final policies in this rule better align Medicare payments with home health agencies’ costs providing care, while lowering costs to taxpayers and the 3.5 million Medicare beneficiaries who receive home health services nationwide.
The 2014 final rule reduces Medicare payments under the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) by 1.05 percent.
WAYNE, N.J. (Nov. 25, 2013)—The fear of falling makes many seniors reluctant to perform some daily living activities.
WOONSOCKET, R.I. (Nov. 27, 2013—CVS Caremark announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Coram LLC ("Coram"), the specialty infusion services and enteral nutrition business unit of Apria Healthcare Group Inc. for approximately $2.1 billion. Coram is one of the nation's largest providers of comprehensive infusion services, providing infusion therapies and nutrition services to more than 20,000 patients each month.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, providers will have 60 days to submit medical documentation in response to initial documentation requests for claims selected by the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Program for review. Currently, providers have 75 days to respond to initial documentation requests.
CMS is in the process of implementing ICD-10. All covered entities have to be fully compliant on Oct. 1, 2014. CMS will not be granting a transition or grace period. After Oct. 1, 2014, ICD-9 codes will no longer be accepted for services provided after Oct. 1, 2014 and ICD-10 codes will not be accepted for services provided prior to Oct. 1, 2014.
CMS Announces ICD-10 Testing Between MACs and Trading Partners: On Nov.
Webinar
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
In order to succeed in today's regulatory climate, providers must constantly think outside the box. One way to accomplish this is for providers to enter into business arrangements with referral sources such as hospitals and physicians. In doing so, they must avoid problems under the Medicare anti-kickback statute and the Stark physician self-referral statute.
ATLANTA (Nov. 22, 2013)—Brightree LLC, the leading provider of cloud-based clinical, billing and business management software solutions for the post-acute care industry, announced that it has acquired MedAct LLC, a provider of home medical equipment (HME) and durable medical equipment (DME) software solutions.
DENVER (Nov. 19, 2013)—CareTouch Communications, Inc. announced that HME Specialists has chosen the CareTouch360 solution to automate and simplify patient management through regular patient outreach and engagement.
In November, CareTouch began reaching out to HME Specialists’ patients who are on sleep apnea therapy.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Wednesday, Nov.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2013)—Royal Philips has earned the prominent Zenith Award for a 15th time from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Philips is one of just six companies to receive the award that honors excellence in products and service for the respiratory industry. The 2013 award was presented Nov. 16 at the 59th International Respiratory Congress in Anaheim, Calif.
CHICAGO (Nov. 18, 2013)—Sunset Healthcare Solutions announced the launch of its annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The company is teaming up with Toys for Tots for their annual Tubes for Tots campaign where they donate a portion of the sales from every 6-foot CPAP tube to the Marine Toys for Tots Program.
“It’s a wonderful thing to be able to give something to those in need,” said Sunset’s National Sales Manager, PJ Ruflin.
MUNDELEIN, Ill. (Nov. 18, 2013)—Symbion Healthcare of Nashville, Tenn.—a leading operator of ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals across the nation—has selected Medline Industries, Inc. as its exclusive distribution partner for medical and surgical supplies.
Webinar
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sadly, there are way too many quality DME providers that have not been awarded contracts.
SOMERSET, Pa. (Nov. 15, 2013)—DeVilbiss Healthcare re-introduced the PulmoNeb LT Compressor Nebulizer System, now made in the USA of US and imported parts.
“DeVilbiss Healthcare strives to provide its customers with the highest quality respiratory care products,” said Jim Clement, Director of Global Product Management - Respiratory Solutions for DeVilbiss Healthcare. “Moving production of the PulmoNeb LT Compressor back to the USA from
China ensures superior performance of every unit.
WAYNE, N.J. (Nov. 13, 2013)—Maddak, Inc. announced Morph Wheels, the first-ever foldable wheelchair wheels, received the 2013 Popular Science Best of What's New award in the health category. The awards were announced in the December issue of the magazine on newsstands Nov. 12. Each year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and chooses the top 100 winners across 12 categories for inclusion.
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. (Nov. 7, 2013)—SIGVARIS appointed Scot J. Dubé as president and CEO of North America. In his new position, Dubé will lead the North American market equipped with his entrepreneurial background, Fortune 500 company experience and his familiarly with all aspects of company functions and processes.
Dubé brings with him more than 25 years of medical device industry experience, along with pharmaceutical and telemedicine expertise.