WATERLOO, Iowa (December 12, 2017)—In a nationwide survey, over half of Medicare beneficiaries reported problems obtaining medically needed home medical equipment (HME) such as oxygen and wheelchairs under Medicare’s Competitive Bidding program.
4 Major Questions About the Proposed CVS-Aetna Merger
The $69 billion merger is the kind of deal that can upend an industry. (Shannon Muchmore/Healthcare Dive)
Almost Family and LHC Group to Merge
The merger will create a nationwide provider of in-home health care services with a long track record of sucessfully partnering with hospitals and health systems. (Nasdaq/Globe Newswire)
Medicare and Medicaid Need Innovation
Trump’s HHS seeks to encourage health care competition. (Seema Verma/Wall Street Journal)
LENEXA, Kan. (September 6, 2017), 2017—Mediware Information Systems, Inc., a provider of comprehensive post-acute health care software, announces they are hosting a free webinar for attendees on Thursday, September 28, 2017, 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET for DME suppliers.
—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 21, 2017)—Last week, as part of a continuing commitment to greater data transparency, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled the Hospice Compare website. The site displays information in a ready-to-use format and provides a snapshot of the quality of care each hospice facility offers to its patients.
WATERLOO, Iowa (August 14, 2017)—U.S. Rehab, a division of the VGM Group Inc., released its white paper analyzing the current state of the DMEPOS industry.
—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2017)—On August 1, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1675-F) that updates fiscal year (FY) 2018 Medicare payment rates and the wage index for hospices serving Medicare beneficiaries, and also updates the hospice quality reporting requirements.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGHTON,D.C. (July 27, 2017)—AAHomecare is beginning work on a major initiative to assess and report on patient access to HME in areas served by the competitive bidding program as well as in rural and non-bid areas.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13, 2017)—The latest HME Audit Key survey results, running through the first quarter of 2017, show continued appeal determinations in favor of suppliers in several product categories, including overturn rates of 68 percent for respiratory products, 77 percent for ostomy, urological, wound care, and diabetic supplies, and 81 percent for NPWT devices and supplies. Other highlights from this round include:
—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2017)—CMS launched a new Quality Payment Program (QPP) webpage dedicated to doctors and other clinicians working in small or rural practices as well as those treating patients in underserved areas. This page provides:
TUCSON, Ariz. (July 10, 2017)—COPD hospitalizations are at an all-time high. The 30-day readmission rate for patients ranges from 20 to 39 percent, with related health care costs at an estimated $50 billion. A recently published study, funded by Royal Philips, revealed that although positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was associated with a reduction in hospitalization, more than 92 percent of patients studied were not receiving it in any form.
WATERLOO, Iowa (June 27, 2017)—Last week Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) introduced a bill that would provide coverage for wigs to Medicare beneficiaries. The bill, HR 2925 would allow wigs to be covered as durable medical equipment; opening access for Medicare beneficiaries that a dermatologist, oncologist or attending physician can certify medical necessity as a part of rehabilitative treatment.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 14, 2017)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Office of the Actuary (OACT) released state-level health care spending data for the period 1991-2014.
MCKINNEY, Texas (May 23, 2017)—Soleo Health, a national provider of specialty home and alternate-site infusion services, announced it is aggressively advocating for thousands of home infusion therapy patients that stand to be affected by the recently enacted 21st Century Cures Act.
Can Ailing Illinois Afford In-Home Care for Seniors?
Illinois’ Community Care Program is being stretched to the limit with an influx of aging baby boomers and an already deep budget crisis. (Alejandra Cancino/Crain’s Chicago Business)
