In brief: AAHomecare writes to Obama, CarePoint takes on Houston

WASHINGTON - AAHomecare on Wednesday asked President Obama to review "onerous and outdated" regulations that inhibit job growth and threaten access to home medical equipment and services. The association asked the president to look specifically at issues like competitive bidding, Medicare audits and anti-fraud and abuse initiatives. The letter was in response to the President's Jan. 18 executive order, "Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review," which seeks examples of problematic rules. To view the executive order: http://aahomecare.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3c0f3755f13930464597f245a&id=aac050f91a&e=6b946f30c2



Infusion provider enters Houston market

CHICAGO - Home infusion provider CarePoint Partners acquired ivA Lifetec, it was announced last week. The acquisition allows the Cincinnati-based CarePoint to expand its presence in Texas. "CarePoint is excited to enter the Houston market, which represents an important step toward our goal of providing high-quality infusion therapy services in Texas state-wide," said Dana Soper, CarePoint's chief executive officer, in a release. Lifetec will continue to operate under its own name, and maintain its current staff, according to the release. CarePoint Partners--a portfolio company of Waud Capital Partners--was formed in 2007 to acquire and develop a network of home infusion and specialty pharmacies. CarePoint currently operates 17 locations in eight states. Lifetec is the company's 10th acquisition. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.



AAHomecare releases audit study

ARLINGTON, Va. - AAHomecare has posted a Medicare audit white paper on its website. The 14-page document, which was recently submitted to CMS officials, summarizes the association's concerns with ongoing audits, particularly pre-pay reviews and post-payment audits. Some of the concerns: contractors disregarding medical necessity documentation; and inconsistent and unreasonable requests for documentation. The white paper draws upon real life examples obtained from home medical equipment providers and other industry stakeholders. To download the white paper, go to www.aahomecare.org.



Association releases "State of Medicare Mobility Benefit"

ARLINGTON, Va. - AAHomecare released a "State of the Medicare Mobility Benefit" in the Jan. 2 issues of Mobility Matters. The report says the benefit has never been more "troubling, and perplexing," and says it is "disheartening" that the industry can see the positive effect that a power wheelchair has for the recipient while lawmakers can't seem to comprehend that. The report contains several real life examples that AAHomecare and other industry stakeholders hope will resonate with lawmakers. It further asks whether medical equipment providers will survive in light of changes to the benefit, including reimbursement cuts and the elimination of the first month purchase option.