WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 27, 2018)—CMS issued guidance titled "Billing Instruction—Oxygen CMN Question 5" on February 15, 2018, requiring suppliers to obtain revised oxygen CMNs for all patients that had different liter flows of oxygen in a 24-hour period effective April 1, 2018. The guidance required the industry to tell prescribers to not answer Question 5 of the CMN as stated on the form.
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CHICAGO (March 12, 2018)—This spring, global manufacturer and distributer Sunset Healthcare Solutions will expand its respiratory offerings to include additional home medical equipment. Since 2004, the company has specialized in product solutions in the respiratory category, including CPAP and oxygen disposables.
“We’re proud to bring these new products to our loyal customer base,” said Melissa Allis, marketing coordinator at Sunset Healthcare Solutions.
Public hearing scheduled to discuss concerns.
Via HOMES, NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (November 30, 2017)—Late afternoon on November 22, MassHealth published proposed regulation and rate changes and scheduled a public hearing for December 13 at 1 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room, 100 Hancock Street, Quincy, Mass. The proposed effective date of the regulations is February 23, 2018.
ST. LOUIS (November 13, 2017)—Responsive Respiratory expands their cylinder stand offering with upgraded dual‐use MM/M60 stand.
The upgraded MM/M60 stand features a set of extended length thumbscrews to secure either of the two cylinder sizes. The dual‐use design aids in the reduction of inventory for providers and is ideal for placement of back‐up cylinders in oxygen patients’ homes.
ATLANTA (October 3, 2017)—Mobile telehealth and remote patient monitoring company SynsorMed Inc. has formed a strategic relationship with a leading global manufacturer of oxygen delivery equipment, CAIRE Inc., to provide medical equipment providers with the tools they need to serve their patients suffering from respiratory disease.
BALL GROUND, Ga. (September 26, 2017)—CAIRE Inc. (CAIRE), the manufacturer of the AirSep, CAIRE and SeQual brands of wearable, portable and stationary oxygen concentrators, has appointed Altra Service Professionals as the authorized service center serving customers in New Jersey and the New England states.
Altra Service Professionals will perform both warranty and non-warranty service for CAIRE products from their facility in Berlin, Connecticut.
CMS updates guidance for providers, and RACs halt audits in storm affected areas.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C.
The original design was developed by the Air Force.
BALL GROUND, Ga. (August 8, 2017)—CAIRE Inc. formally announced the launch of the new SAROS 15 oxygen concentrator for combat casualty care at its respiratory Center of Excellence in Ball Ground.
Competitive bidding rates fail to cover the cost of delivery.
The adjustments reflect the July 1–December 1, 2016 period.
—Via AAHomecare WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated the fee schedule for rural and non-bid areas to adjust reimbursements to rural providers for products and services furnished between the July 1–December 31 period.
The report from AAHomecare paints a stark picture of the post-bidding world.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 26, 2017)—According to research AAHomecare had been performing using Medicare data, the number of traditional suppliers of home medical equipment to Medicare beneficiaries has dropped 40.9 percent since July 2013. In addition, the number of unique locations (commonly referred to as rooftops) serving Medicare beneficiaries has declined by 38.7 percent during the same period.
BALL GROUND, Ga. (February 14, 2017)—CAIRE Inc., a Chart Industries Company, has opened a new authorized service center in Lake City, Florida.
Through a partnership with Oxygen Sales & Service, Inc., the new 3500-square-foot facility located at 115 SW Bonanza Glen, Lake City, FL 32025-2147 will have eight employees.
ST. LOUIS (January 19, 2017)—Responsive Respiratory introduces its newly re-engineered heavy-duty cardboard cylinder totes.
WESTLAKE, Ohio (January 12, 2017)—For the first time, Applied Home Healthcare Equipment will be exhibiting its homecare products from two separate booths at the upcoming Medtrade show in Las Vegas, Nevada February 27–March 1, 2017.
“The products we market continue to show fast sales growth and we will better be able to serve our customers at the show by displaying from two separate booths,” said Applied sales director Jon Schultz.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (December 8, 2016)—3B Medical, Inc. is pleased to announce the debut of its second-generation design of the Cirrus 5 Stationary Oxygen Concentrator. The new Cirrus 5 includes the following product enhancements and improvements: new and improved carrying handle, oxygen outlet port upgraded from plastic to stainless steel, addition of power cord retention to remove possibility of accidental power disconnect and a new lighter color with fingerprint resistant finish.
AMSTERDAM (October 25, 2016)—In conjunction with Respiratory Care Week (October 23–29), Royal Philips announced the launch of “COPD insider,” an online community where leaders in value-based Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care will discuss new and innovative solutions, highlight the biggest issues in COPD care, share a wealth of knowledge and provide practical solutions fo
WASHINGTON, D.C (October 19, 2016)—A study released today by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) shows that Medicare reimbursement rates for home medical equipment cover just 88 percent of overall costs for companies providing this service.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2016)—Dan Starck, chair of CQRC, responds to the GAO Access Report on Competitive Bidding:
"While the CQRC has supported competitive bidding in concept, we remain deeply concerned about the implementation of the competitive bidding program. Today's report shows that fewer beneficiaries are receiving home oxygen therapy in light of competitive bidding."
LENEXA, Kan. (October 13, 2016)—Mediware Information Systems, Inc. is hosting a free webinar for attendees on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 1:00 Central, 2:00 EST, to discuss what is necessary to appropriately document and bill for new oxygen capped rental patients. The webinar is entitled “Starting a New Oxygen Capped Rental: Best practices to safeguard your revenue,” presented by Andrea Stark, of Mira Vista.