Archive: July 2009

WASHINGTON--A familiar face took the reins at the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) last month. The MED Group's Don Clayback, who has been involved with NCART since its inception in 2004, became its executive director July 15. He replaces Sharon Hildebrandt. “Sharon has a strong legislative and regulatory background, but we feel strongly that we needed someone with industry experience,” said Gary Gilberti, president of NCART and CEO of Chesapeake Rehab Equipment....

TRINIDAD, Colo.--NRRTS announced in June that it's co-funding a project with NCART to establish a separate Medicare benefit for complex rehab. As part of the project, they have contracted Avalere Health, a Washington, D.C., consulting firm headed up by former CMS staff.

First, provider Jeff Knight used GPS technology for delivery technicians. Then, about six months ago, he began using it for his sales and marketing staff. Now, he has set his sights on clinicians. “It has saved us a ton of money,” said Knight, CEO of Premier HomeCare in Saint Albans, West Va. It's not uncommon for providers to use GPS technology for delivery techs, but now, in a reimbursement environment where every dollar counts, they're increasingly using it for other employees, sources...

HARTFORD, Conn.--CareCentrix has worked quietly over the past 10 months, formulating a new strategic plan that ties in directly to healthcare reform. During that time, the benefits-management company - HME, home care and infusion - for private insurers has put in place a new executive team of healthcare professionals. Its mission: Prove that homecare services can “reduce a payer's inpatient costs while delivering improved and clearly measurable healthcare costs.” CareCentrix, which generated...

WASHINGTON--A letter signed by 70 lawmakers was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee June 16, asking its members to include oxygen reform language in healthcare reform legislation. The letter, circulated by Reps. Mike Ross, D-Ark., and Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., “is permanently open for signatures,” according to AAHomecare. On another front: H.R. 2373, a bill that would repeal the 36-month cap on Medicare oxygen reimbursement, has 61 co-sponsors, according to NAIMES.

STUART, Fla.--Provider Mark Libratore looks at the millions of Americans with diabetes and sees both a business opportunity and a chance to help people. His mail order company, Liberator Medical Supply, a division of Liberator Medical Holdings, is ramping up Diabetes Life Success, a disease state management program that will offer diabetes education. Only 26% of diagnosed patients saw a diabetes educator in a 12-month period, according to a 2007 study by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. “There...

As a small mastectomy business, I offer a service to ladies who, at that time of their life, need all of the support they can get. I spend time with them, I call them to say hi, and I send them Christmas cards. None of this may interest you; I'm just trying to explain what a small business can offer. The reason I'm writing: If all of these new rules and regulations go into effect, all small businesses will be gone. For instance: the requirement for a $50,000 surety bond. Also, we now have paid out...

As I was reading this issue, I was struck by the number of technology-related stories. There are 10 of them, by my count. The Providers section, alone, has four, all on the main page. That's not even counting the Respiratory Special Report (see insert on page 13), which has its fair share of technology-related stories, too. One of those stories features provider Oxygen One, which has reduced the number of follow-up calls it makes to patients to discuss CPAP compliance and supply needs from 150 to...

HYANNIS, Mass.--The New England Medical Equipment Dealers (NEMED) Association voted in new officers at its annual meeting in June. Tamme Dustin of Herron & Smith, Hooksett, N.H., will serve as president; Jack Hogan of Health Complex Medical, Waterbury, Conn., vice president; Chris Henry of The Medical Store, Burlington, Vt., treasurer; and Steven DeYoung of Home Medical Equipment Services, Manchester N.H., secretary.

ATLANTA--Just when rehab providers in Georgia thought they were making some progress, they could be delivered another setback. The Department of Community Health, the state's Medicaid program, has decided not to eliminate K0108, a miscellaneous code for wheelchair components and accessories. Furthermore, on July 1, the department “opened” several other codes for use. But at press time, on July 9, its board was scheduled to vote on changing Medicaid's allowables for HME, including complex...