Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 29, 2017)—As mandated in the December 2016 CURES bill, federal Medicaid reimbursement to states for home medical equipment cannot exceed what Medicare would have allowed for these items, in aggregate, beginning on January 1, 2018.
WATERLOO, Iowa (December 19, 2017)—Home for the holidays takes on many meanings this time of year. Families and friends gather from near and far to celebrate the season with loved ones. Stories shared. Songs sung. Food and festivities are all around.
60% of Medical Practices' Medicare Revenue Expected to Be Risk-Based by 2019
A new study reveals providers are actively pursuing value-based care options, but are skeptical this method actually provides better patient care than traditional fee-for-service. (Virgil Dickson/Modern Healthcare)
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2017)—CMS recently provided an update on a State Operational Technical Advisory (SOTA) call regarding CURES Medicaid provisions. AAHomecare was one of nearly 300 participants on the call, which was put together for the benefit of Medicaid program officials, but also included industry stakeholders.
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.
