In brief: AAH seeks compromise on pay cut

WASHINGTON - AAHomecare believes the House of Representatives will drop the 0.5% cut to the consumer price index urban update (CPI-U) for DME when they return to Capitol Hill in September. As part of a healthcare reform package, the House approved the cut Aug. 6, but AAHomecare has been working with Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas, who proposed the cut to help pay for Medicare changes, on an alternative. In a bulletin to members, AAHomecare stated: "We believe that this payment cut will be eliminated from the legislation once the three House committees merge their bills in September. We will continue to promote an alternative offset and will provide updates on this issue as the healthcare reform debate unfolds this fall."



CMS to hold second competitive bidding forum

BALTIMORE - CMS will provide an overview of the competitive bidding areas, product categories and important rules to remember at a Sept. 2 forum, the agency announced last week. The forum will be the second in a series of eight Special Open Door Forums on competitive bidding. CMS will also provide information on eligibility requirements, such as supplier standards, subcontracting, licensure, bonding and accreditation; and special rules for physicians and treating practitioners, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. To participate in the forum, call 800-837-1935 at 2 p.m. EST. Use the ID 23044340.



Liberator Medical's earnings soar

STUART, Fla. - Mail-order provider Liberator Medical reported revenues of $6,950,415 for the quarter ended June 30, an increase of 184% compared to the same quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of 2009, revenue was $18,119,489, compared to $5,299,159, an increase of 242%. The company attributed the increase to an extensive advertising campaign.



MED holds court on NCB

LUBBOCK, Texas - The MED Group will jumpstart Medtrade with a national competitive bidding workshop at the Sheraton Downtown Atlanta on Oct. 11. At the two-day workshop, "Preparing for the Impact of National Competitive Bidding," industry experts will present step-by-step instructions, including a critical analysis of the final ruling and a detailed walk-through on how to prepare a bid. For more information, call 800-825-5633.