NEWSWIRE
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Cuts to HME: Reform report leaves door 'wide open' |
By Theresa Flaherty Managing Editor - 05.25.2009
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WASHINGTON - A Senate Finance Committee report released last week that outlines options for financing healthcare reform names HME reimbursement as a possible revenue source, but it doesn't propose specific cuts.
The report has left industry stakeholders uncertain.
"They've left themselves wide open to do anything they want to do," said Cara Bachenheimer, senior vice president of government relations for Invacare. "They did this in every area of the report--leaving themselves options to cut whatever they want later on without locking themselves in to anything. That doesn't give us a whole lot of comfort."
The committee, which included in its report a section titled "More Appropriate Payment for Durable Medical Equipment," plans to examine whether certain DME items are overpaid or underpaid. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has identified items that it considers overpaid: oxygen, power wheelchairs and negative pressure wound therapy.
The report's vagueness may not be such a bad thing, said Wayne Stanfield, president of the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAIMES). In 40 pages, it only mentions HME in three paragraphs, he pointed out.
"To me, (the reference to more appropriate payments for DME) seems to be an indication that the committee is going to look at HME more broadly," Stanfield said. "For oxygen, for example, there needs to be some changes to reimbursement related to service."
The committee could decide that some DME items are underpaid, but providers shouldn't hold their breath, industry stakeholders said.
"Concern has been raised that the 9.5% cut disproportionately harmed complex rehab, so that is one area that could be considered underpaid," said Walt Gorski, vice president of government affairs for AAHomecare. "However, in this environment, it will be a tough sell to increase payments."
Providers need to remain diligent in their grassroots efforts, industry stakeholders said. The Memorial Day recess next week is a good time to weigh in on the report, as well as build on the momentum for the 36-month oxygen cap and the 9.5% cut, both of which went into effect Jan. 1.
"There has been a significant amount of pushback from patients and providers since Jan. 1," Stanfield said. "I think many members of Congress are being told that there is more to providing HME service then the piece of equipment."
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HME News Info Center |
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CALENDAR
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| 8-8 They’re Auditing Me! What Do I Do Now? | Attendance is $99
During this event, Andrea Stark will walk you through the entire audit process step-by-step, from the moment you receive a request for additional documentation, through the time you submit your initial response and (if necessary) your appeal. Most importantly, Andrea will ensure you gain a clear understanding of your full rights while undergoing an audit.
For more information or to register, visit: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.
| | 13-13 “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” | In Cincinnati on July 13.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 13-13 Pre-Payment Reviews and RAC Audits | “Pre-Payment Reviews and RAC Audits: Steps to Prepare for and Survive These Life-Altering Events," presented by Jeffrey Baird, Esq., Brown & Fortunato, P.C. Call AAHomecare for details: 703.836.6263.
| | 14-14 “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” | In Pittsburgh on July 14.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 15-15 “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” | In Orlando July 15.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 20-20 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Dallas on July 20.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 20-20 Audits…a Four Letter Word | “Audits…a Four Letter Word: How to Prepare for and Respond to DME MAC and ZPIC Audits,” presented by Jeffrey Baird, Esq., Brown & Fortunato, P.C. Call AAHomecare for more details: 703.836.6263.
| | 21-21 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Kansas City July 21.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 22-22 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Charlotte, N.C., July 22
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 29-29 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Miami on July 29.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 29-29 Have PECOS Questions? Get Straight Answers, Live! | July 29, 2010 @ 2:00pm EST
Due to the increasing number of inquiries MiraVista is receiving regarding the July 6 PECOS physician enrollment deadline and January 3, 2011 rejection implementation date, we have decided to hold this timely PECOS webinar. The majority of the webinar will be held as an open forum for suppliers to ask and receive answers to their PECOS questions directly from DME consultant Andrea Stark.
Cost is $99. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.
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| 9-9 DMEPOS Billing Workshop: Maintaining Compliance with the Medicare Program | August 9, 2010 – Columbia, SC – 9am-5pm EST
Whether you’re looking to reduce the number of audits you are receiving or need to stay up to date on current documentation requirements for various DME, this DMEPOS billing workshop is for you! Both seasoned billers and new trainees will benefit from this course, as Andrea Stark lays the foundation for continued compliance with the Medicare program, and provides updates on recent policy changes and claims edits.
Cost is $295 for the first attendee, $225 each additional. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.
| | 10-10 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Cleveland on Aug. 10.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 17-17 "Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?" | In Riverside, Calif., on Aug. 17.
While the DME provider community continues to work strenuously to repeal the competitive bidding program, the VGM National Competitive Bidding Services team is hitting the road again. Throughout July and August, the group will be co-hosting, along with respective state associations, full-day seminars, “Contracting Time is Here: Do You Know Your Game Plan?” The series will be presented by Mark Higley, vice president-development; John Gallagher, vice president-government relations; Alan Morris, regulatory analyst, all from VGM; and attorney Neil Caesar, president, Health Law Center. The series, designed for all providers affected by the bidding program, will focus on:
· Detailed overview of the contractual obligations for bid winners.
· Discussion about financially evaluating a bidding contract, including a take-home comprehensive Contract Evaluation Toolkit.
· Legal advice and legal document templates for subcontracting and change of ownership.
· Dos, don’ts, and tips on marketing your competitive bidding contract or subcontracting agreement.
· In-depth legislative update on activity on Capitol Hill related to the effort to repeal competitive bidding, as well as other DME industry issues.
| | 19-19 Revisiting Patient Pay: Are you leaving $ on the table? | August 19, 2020 @ 2:00pm EST
Your front-end could be the reason patient AR is ballooning. Join Andrea Stark for this informative webinar and ensure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to proactively secure payments and reduce future collection efforts.
Cost is $49. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php
| | 31-31 MESA Fall Conference 2010 | Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Dallas. Wondering what the future holds for DME? For your company? Obviously, no one knows ... but we all hope for the best ... and the best idea is to be prepared. MESA's Fall Conference 2010, is sure to be a comprehensive, education- and information-packed event for the HME/DME provider and staff ... and an excellent way to get prepared for your company's future in the HME industry! FMI: http://www.mesanet.org/index.php?cid=5282&src=gendocs&ref=Fall_Conference_2010_Index&category=Conferences&curlid=495
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| 2-2 Can You Really Do That? Debunking Medicare Myths | September 2, 2010 @ 2:00pm EST
This webinar will set out to distinguish the difference between Medicare myths and reality. Participants will learn what is really acceptable under Medicare guidelines and will have the opportunity to get their own Medicare myths debunked.
Cost is $99. Register at: http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php
| | 12-14 2010 HME News Business Summit | Data and Market Intelligence You Can’t Get Anywhere Else!
The tools and strategies you need to drive revenue and cut costs are at the 2010 HME News Business Summit. We deliver real-life case studies, original research and industry benchmarks. Join your peers for two days of top-notch education and networking.
Nashville Hilton Downtown
Nashville, Tenn.
To review the educational program: http://www.hmesummit.com/speakers.html
To register: https://www.b2bmediaportal.com/hmesummit/hmesummit.aspx
| | 13-17 Blue Ridge Symposium | Four conferences in one week. Choose your specialty or area of interest: Sleep Conference; Asthma Education;Home Care Conference; Respiratory Care Conference
Earn at least six CRCE/CEUs everyday
Location: Blue Ridge Shadows, Front Royal, Va.
Visit us on the Web at: www.valleyhealthlink.com/brs
Contact us at: brs@valleyhealthlink.com
or Call (540) 536-8941
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| 6-7 JAMES 2010 Annual Conference | This year's theme: "Barriers to Boomers - How to Overcome and Prosper." The conference will be held at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, N.J. FMI: www.jamesofnj.org.
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| 16-18 Medtrade | Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Medtrade connects the HME industry. Stay ahead of HME industry changes and find the latest tools to help your clients. Join us at the largest home medical equipment even in the western US as we bring more exhibitors, more ideas, and more products than ever before.
Visit www.medtrade.com for more information and to register.
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