Archive: October 2006
Survey: Many parents unfamiliar with at-home test
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
ALAMEDA, Calif. - More than one-third of parents of children with type 1 diabetes are unaware of an at-home ketone test that may help prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is the leading cause of death among children with diabetes. The survey, conducted by Children with Diabetes and Abbot Diabetes Care, found that more than 30% of parents test their child's ketone levels only once or twice a month and 30% didn't know that testing for blood ketones could be done at home using a meter, while 75%...
MED dials into telemedicine
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
LUBBOCK, Texas - The parties involved in a new telemedicine equipment distribution agreement are heralding it as a touchstone moment for the HME industry. Representatives from Lubbock, Texas-based MED Group and Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Cybernet Medical confirmed their partnership at Medtrade in September.
Under the new pact, MED Group members will have the opportunity to become sales and distribution agents for Cybernet's new MedStar telemonitoring device. Cybernet fashioned MedStar after its NASA...
Virginia takes on recycling program
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia will create an online network for recycling wheelchairs, canes and walkers that often get thrown away. The network will link different charity groups that already recycle the equipment, including Goodwill of Central Virginia, which distributed more than $360,000 in discarded equipment last year. The state will also boost the effort by creating new programs. It's offering 10 grants of up to $600,000 each to enhance existing programs or create new ones. The state expects to...
Invacare Supply helps HMEs expand
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
HOLLISTON, Mass. - If you're a provider looking to expand your presence on a budget, Invacare Supply Group may have just the thing for you: self-service kiosks.
Providers can buy the kiosks, which officially debuted at Medtrade, and place them in assisted living facilities and pharmacies. They act much like computer terminals, walking users through placing an order for any of Invacare Supply's 20,000 products.
"It's like a store within a store," said Kevin Roseff, president of the Boca Raton, Fla.-based...
Medtrade: Attendance declines but seminars full
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
ATLANTA - While overall attendance declined at Medtrade in September, the show's day-long clinical and reimbursement workshops attracted an unprecedented number of attendees, education officials said.
Medtrade's Show Director Art Ellis described attendance as off "slightly" from last year. Educational seminars, however, reported a 10% increase in attendees. Given the uncertainty troubling the industry, it's not surprising that more providers than usual opted to save money and bypass Medtrade, Ellis...
Discretion gives providers edge in growing incontinence market
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
Thanks to an aging demographic, the retail potential for incontinence and skin care product sales has grown at a steady rate, say vendors serving the marketplace. With the right approach, they contend, HME providers are primed to capture a major portion of that business, even against some stiff competition.
With the oldest baby boomers now turning 60, incontinence is becoming an issue not only for them but also for the huge generational swell following close behind. Market analysts expect the demand...
With tanks in tow, provider relocates
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
CAMBRIDGE, Minn. - When Allina Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment moves into its new space in early 2007, it will bring along somewhat unusual components.
Allina--which serves about 4,200 liquid, homefill and portable oxygen patients--has its own fuel tanks. A typical tank holds 6,000 gallons of oxygen and stands 25 feet high. Allina buys liquid oxygen in bulk to fill tanks in its trucks to deliver oxygen to patient's homes.
The Cambridge location--one of 10--is moving from its in-hospital space to...
HMEs must keep pressure on lawmakers to minimize NCB
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
It's do or die time for the HME industry's efforts to minimize the blow of national competitive bidding, at least for this year.
With bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate designed to do just that, the industry planned a full-court press for the weeks before and during the Nov. 7 elections to collect as many co-sponsors as possible for the bills.
Once Congress reconvenes, legislators will work on several omnibus bills, including one for the Department of Health and Human Services,...
California infusion providers get relief
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill recently that will allow California's Department of Health Services to establish per diem or bundled rates for home infusion pharmacies. S.B. 676 was introduced by State Sen. Roy Ashburn. There are currently about 100 pharmacies in California that provide home infusion services. Providers say the labor-intensive nature of home IV therapy results in higher costs, and current Medi-Cal reimbursement was not covering those costs, forcing some...
What a difference consumers can make!
October 31, 2006HME News Staff
Q. I've heard about other providers getting their patients to take part in lobbying events. How do we do this?
A. The importance of involving patients in our lobbying efforts can't be stressed enough. One of the most important services you can offer your patients is to educate them on issues and legislation that impact HME. This can be done by a monthly newsletter or direct mailing. Many providers include important industry information in their weekly billing runs. Whichever forum you choose, the...