Archive: January 2019
Triple W wins another CES honor
January 31, 2019HME News Staff
SAN DIEGO - Triple W has received the iPhone Life Best of CES 2019 Award for DFree, a wearable device for urinary incontinence. DFree uses ultrasound technology to monitor bladder fullness and notifies the user on their smart phone or tablet when it's time to go to the bathroom. “We're honored to be selected by iPhone Life as an innovative and useful solution for people who have a loss of bladder control or are caregivers for a loved one facing a challenge,” said Atsushi Nakanishi, president...
What's up with this 'What's Covered' app?
January 31, 2019Liz Beaulieu, Editor
CMS this week has made much ado about its new “What's Covered” app that allows beneficiaries to see whether Medicare covers a specific medical item or service, which of course includes HME.
The launch of the app paralleled the agency's CMS Quality Conference, or #CMSQualCon19 as it's known on twitter. CMS's coverage of the event on the social media platform has included photos of attendees, including these patient advocates, giving the app a whirl.
Screen...
Rowheels to make TV pitch
January 31, 2019HME News Staff
MADISON, Wis. - Rowheels, a developer of manual mobility technology, has been chosen to appear on “Project Pitch It,” a local TV show in which entrepreneurs pitch their startup companies “Shark Tank”-style and compete for weekly awards valued at a total of $30,000, according to a press release. Rowheels has developed a patented technology that allows wheelchair users to pull rather than push when they want to move forward, preventing repetitive stress injuries of the shoulder....
ActivStyle takes stand against low reimbursement
January 30, 2019Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
MINNEAPOLIS - With IlliniCare Health holding fast to its drastic cuts to reimbursement for incontinence supplies, ActivStyle has taken a hard a line.
In November, the provider—the state's largest provider of the supplies—announced it would no longer participate in the payer's network, something it had done since 2011, says CEO Gayle Devin.
“After fighting the fight, we made the decision that we can't continue to operate at a loss here,” she said. “We...
New legislation would repeal preferred provider program
January 30, 2019HME News Staff
ST. PAUL, Minn. - A bill that would repeal Minnesota Medicaid's preferred provider program for incontinence supplies was introduced Jan. 24 in the state senate. SF 491 is similar to a bill that was passed as part of an omnibus bill in 2018 but that was ultimately vetoed by the governor. In August 2018, MAMES obtained a temporary restraining order to delay the state's plans to create a preferred provider program that would award a single contract to provide the supplies. Also at issue: the reimbursement...
Solera Health adds health department to roster
January 30, 2019HME News Staff
PHOENIX - Solera Health has added the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment in Olathe, Kan., to its network of diabetes providers. Solera's network is comprised of companies recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for their diabetes prevention program (DPP). Johnson County's DPP emphasizes that even small changes in diet and exercise can lead to significant lifestyle changes and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. "It's an honor to work with a program like Johnson...
Crest Healthcare to offer LifeGlider
January 30, 2019HME News Staff
DASSEL, Minn. - Crest Healthcare Supply and Core Mobility Solutions have partnered to make the LifeGlider mobility device more widely available. The LifeGlider allows independent, upright, hands-free mobility while reducing the risk of falls, and can be used in a therapeutic setting or as a personal assistive device, according to a press release. Crest Healthcare Supply is a provider of products and technical services that enhance the care environment. Core Mobility Solutions is a privately held...
RAC targets pneumatic compression devices
January 29, 2019HME News Staff
ATLANTA - Performant Recovery, the national DMEPOS RAC, added pneumatic compression devices to its approved issues list on Jan. 23, the van Halem Group reports. Performant will perform complex reviews to determine if the pneumatic compression device is reasonable and necessary for the patient's condition based on the documentation in the medical record. Claims that do not meet the indications of coverage and/or medical necessity will be denied. The audit will cover E0651 and E0652 for claims...
People news: Compass Health, Vertess
January 29, 2019HME News Staff
Ted Metcalf has joined Compass Health Brands as Western Regional Director. He will manage the sales teams in 13 states. Most recently, Metcalf served as the director of rehab, O&P and HME retail for The MED Group/MHA. He has also worked for Numotion and Pride Mobility…Dave Turgeon has joined M&A advisory firm Vertess as a managing director. Turgeon, a seasoned professional in the behavioral healthcare and I/DD space, has played a central role in the acquisition of hundreds of companies and the...
CMS launches 'What's Covered' app
January 29, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - CMS has launched a new app that allows beneficiaries to see whether Medicare covers a specific medical item or service.
The “What's Covered” app allows beneficiaries to more easily get accurate, consistent Original Medicare coverage information in the doctor's office, the hospital or anywhere else they use their mobile devices.
“The new app is the next in a suite of products designed to give consumers more access and control over their Medicare information,”...