PLAINVIEW, N.Y., March, 27, 2013—Independent Medical Co-Op (IMCO), Daytona Beach, Fla., and Fastrack Healthcare Systems have teamed up to bring an unparalleled level of service for HME/DME providers. IMCO recently launched their new Home Care initiative, a dedicated membership group serving independent HME/DME providers throughout the U.S.
HomeCare News
OLD FORGE, Penn., March 28, 2013—The Golden team at Medtrade in Las Vegas knew they had a winner introducing Golden’s newest lift chair innovation, the Golden Cirrus PR508 lift chair. The Cirrus is the newest model in Golden’s patented MaxiComfort Ultimate Recline Technology line of lift chairs.
ATLANTA, March 19, 2013—Brightree LLC, the leading provider of cloud-based billing and business management software solutions for the post-acute care industry, introduces the next generation of intelligent automation with the Brightree Spring 2013 Release. The company’s latest innovations for the home medical equipment (HME) industry were featured at the Medtrade Spring exhibition March 20-21 in Las Vegas.
DALLAS, Texas, March 22, 2013—MedAct Software, a provider of integrated business solutions for HME/DME companies, announces the release of MedAct Business Manager, an innovative business analytics solution to help companies increase cash flow and improve productivity. The SaaS-based platform leverages predictive analytics to aggregate data from multiple sources including customers' existing MedAct database and QuickBooks, to deliver a 360-degree view of business operations.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 21, 2013—Members of Cahaba Media Group (CMG)—publisher of HomeCare magazine, the HomeCare Monday e-newsletter and Senior Care Products—attended the recent Medtrade Spring event in Las Vegas, greeting a steady stream of visitors at its booth near the Expo Hall entrance. CMG was also a media sponsor of the show and the AAHomecare “Stand up for Homecare” event.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 21, 2013—The American Association for HomeCare reports that Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) has sent a letter to CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner expressing numerous concerns about the bidding program and requesting a timely response from the Agency. The letter was co-signed by 100 other Representatives in a strong bipartisan show of support for the well-being of Medicare patients and the home care sector.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 20, 2013—The American Association for Homecare, the legislative advocacy organization representing the largest cross-section of home respiratory, mobility, infusion therapy and medical equipment companies nationwide, announces that Tyler Wilson will leave the organization as president and chief executive officer (CEO) in September 2013.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 19, 2013—According to Chuck Bates of the RAC monitor, Congressmen Sam Graves (R-MO) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) have re-introduced the Medicare Audit Improvement Act legislation to improve the nation’s Medicare audit system. A news release issued by Rep. Graves office said the bill would amend the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 to rectify problems identified since the creation of the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program as a part of that law.
ST.LOUIS, Mo., March 14, 2013—AG Industries, a vertically integrated medical device manufacturer and distributor, has entered into an exclusive national distribution agreement with Plastiflex Healthcare for the Hybernite Heated Rainout Control System. “We are elated to partner with AG Industries and add the Hybernite System to the AG product line and distribution channel,” said Plastiflex Vice President of Sales and Marketing Eric Kroon.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, March 15, 2013—Snore much? Beware: it’s one of the key signs of a disorder that may lead to serious chronic diseases, including diabetes or heart disease. In an effort to help obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sufferers identify and combat the disorder, Royal Philips Electronics will screen one million people worldwide for OSA over the next five years.
EXETER, Penn., March 19, 2013—Pride Mobility Products Corporation is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with Serta on the launch of the new Serta Perfect Lift Chair. This collaboration brings America’s number-one selling lift chair brand together with the recognized bedding brand leader.
An online petition on the WhiteHouse.gov “We the People” website asks the Obama Administration to replace the destructive competitive bidding program with the Market Pricing Program. The petition needs to garner 100,000 signatures by April 17 to get a response from the President. To read and sign the petition, go to www.SavePatientAccess.com.
OWINGS MILLS, Md., March 14, 2013—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) won a Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service at the seventh annual ceremony. BOC was recognized for its exceptional customer service department alongside such companies as Delta Air Lines, Marriott Intl, Inc., and John Hancock Financial Services.
AUSTINTOWN, OHIO, March 15, 2013—Benefits-365, an insurance services firm, has launched its new website touting a solution to competitive bidding. The company, founded by home medical supplier Tom Ivany, has developed insurance solutions that meet CMS compliance standards and can revive lost revenue for bid winners and bid losers. Their services, which are provided by licensed insurance experts, are offered at no cost to the HME supplier, and at no cost to the Medicare patient.
ANDOVER, Mass., March 14, 2013—Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips Electronics, is pleased to announce significant advancements to its medSage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patient management and resupply solution. The medSage service is a web-based voice and e-mail software that has helped OSA patients achieve compliance with their sleep therapies while helping home care providers efficiently manage and grow their mask resupply businesses since 2004.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 14, 2013—On March 5, the National Supplier Clearinghouse announced that it is extending the period of time DME providers will have to determine whether or not they want to change their participation status with the Medicare program.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 14, 2013—AAHomecare is making a formal request to the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) urging the investigative group to complete its congressionally-mandated assessment of the Medicare bidding program.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 14, 2013—National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) has received several inquiries in regards to what documentation must appear in the medical record to support the K level for prosthetics. Potential functional ability is based on the reasonable expectations of the prosthetist, and treating physician, considering factors including, but not limited to:
BETHESDA, Md., March 15, 2013—As we often like to remind our payers, even though we are treated and reimbursed as if we are simply an equipment rental company, we are much more than that. We are not like your neighborhood rental store where you can rent a lawnmower or tables and chairs for a party. We are part of the health care delivery system.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 14, 2013—Comment from AAHomecare President Tyler Wilson: “AAHomecare’s work on behalf of the home medical equipment community involves lobbying as well as regulatory advocacy and problem solving. The organization’s lobbying occurs primarily on Capitol Hill when we contact House and Senate lawmakers to discuss Medicare issues that affect DME.