HomeCare News
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2012—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is disappointed that Medicare is implementing a prior authorization program for power wheelchairs without including a key component. Physicians, providers and advocates for disabled Americans insist that patient care will be jeopardized without a clinical template to help physicians document a patient's medical need for mobility assistance.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012—According to the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAIMES), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has updated its analysis of the effects of the federal budget of alternative methodologies for a permanent “doc fix” addressing the gap between the Physician Fee Schedule and the spending limits required under the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) legislation.
WATERLOO, Iowa, Aug. 7, 2012—Congressmen, Medicare beneficiaries, health-care professionals and an economist will gather Aug. 22 at Kohll’s Pharmacy and Homecare, 12759 Q St., to discuss a government mandate that will affect all Medicare beneficiaries and disabled individuals in 2013.
Now more than ever, even the slightest misstep in the audit process by a facility, system or provider could turn into significant financial loss and potential criminal prosecution. With advanced technology, coupled with a new breed of aggressive contractors, federal and state agencies are on track to exceed their FY 2011 record of collecting over $4 billion from health-care providers.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a state-specific provider compliance group interactive map. The U.S. Resource Map allows you to access state-specific information such as:
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 7, 2012—Ottobock announces the new hire of Brad Baronas, PT, CSCS, as a sales representative for Mobility Solutions. Based in Massachusetts, Baronas is now responsible for the New England territory which includes Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont.
BURLINGTON, Mass., Aug. 7, 2012—HealthEdge, provider of the only modern, enterprise-class software platform for healthcare payors, announces that Dan Welch has been named chief operating officer. Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the role, Welch will oversee all company operations, ensuring customers continue to receive the best products and services in the healthcare payor IT marketplace.
National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC), recently made some exciting enhancements to the to the Clinical Education page of its website. The Clinical Education page will now be known as the Policy Education page. This page provides suppliers with additional information related to medical policies.
NEW YORK, Tue Aug 7, 2012—According to Reuters (author: Patricia Reaney), Baby Boomers are upbeat about aging and expect the next phase of their lives to be better than the last, but many are concerned about their financial future and long-term health costs, a recently-released survey showed.
Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips Electronics is pleased to announce their support of Mark Junge, a 69-year-old adventurer, cyclist and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) awareness advocate, as he embarks on a 225 mile bicycle tour to raise awareness for COPD and encourage oxygen-dependent people to stay as active as possible.
OLD FORGE, PA. Aug. 1, 2012 – Golden Technologies is partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. for the “Proud to be Pink” campaign to raise funds needed to educate women about how important it is to detect breast cancer in early stages.
BALTIMORE, July 31, 2012—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled its new fraud-fighting center to the press and dignitaries amid skepticism about how well the center will work and how much it cost.
NASHVILLE, July 29, 2012—Tennessee’s TennCare Medicaid program is attempting to encourage more low-income senior citizens to stay in their homes instead of moving into more expensive nursing homes. The state will pay up some seniors up to $15,000 a year to help pay for services such as adult day care. The program was just approved by the federal government and is the first of its kind in the nation.
CLEVELAND, July 23, 2012—Chart Industries Inc., a global manufacturer of equipment used in the production, storage and end-use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AirSep Corp. for $170 million in cash and up to $10 million in assumed debt. The transaction also includes senior management retention arrangements to ensure business continuity.
RICHMOND, Va., Jul 25, 2012—Harris Williams & Co., an investment bank that advises clients worldwide, has announced the sale of Harmar Mobility LLC to Cortec Group. Harmar is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of mobility and accessibility solutions focused on the vehicle and residential lift segment of the market. It had been a portfolio company of Seidler Equity Partners.
SAYREVILLE, N.J., Aug. 1, 2012 —ATG Rehab has purchased the complex rehabilitation technology business segment of Allcare Medical, which is based in Sayreville, N.J. Allcare will continue to offer durable medical equipment, clinical respiratory support services, orthotics and prosthetics. ATG will establish a new location in central New Jersey, dedicated to complex rehab equipment and services.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012—Medicare’s power mobility device demonstration is set to begin Sept. 1, according to a notice scheduled for publication in the Federal Register.
The controversial demonstration will run three years in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and Texas. And it will apply to the following mobility devices:
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2012—Officials announced a fraud-fighting partnership that includes the federal government, state officials, large insurers and other groups.
ELYRIA, Ohio, July 26, 2012—Invacare Corp. announced a net loss of $1.98 million for the second quarter 2012. During the same period last year, the company posted net earnings of $10.66 million. The company said earnings were driven down by the cost of improvements necessary to meet FDA requirements, a decline in sales and lower-margin customers.