In brief: AHP sets stage for Highland takeover, HME accounts for 25% of CERT errors

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - American HomePatient has launched a self-tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of its common stock for $0.67 per share. Highland Capital Management, the company's largest shareholder, will not tender shares in the offer. The goal of the offer is to redeem as many shares as possible from shareholders to concentrate Highland's ownership in the company as a first step to it becoming 100% owned by the Dallas-based firm. The offer is scheduled to expire Aug. 4.



OIG: HME accounts for 25% of CERT errors

WASHINGTON - The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has analyzed errors in the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program for 2009 and found that, out of 99,480 claims, 19,754 had improper payments, valued at about $4.7 million. Of the six types of providers included, HME providers accounted for 25% of those improper payments, coming in second behind inpatient hospitals. The most common error: insufficient documentation, which resulted in improper payments of $2.6 million. The OIG is recommending that CMS use its analysis to correct program weaknesses. To download the report: http://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region1/11001000.asp.



Wanted: Competitive bidding data

WASHINGTON - If you're a provider in one of the nine competitive bidding areas, CSIHME wants to hear from you. The group has set up a survey to collect data about Round 1.2. "The industry needs to collect details to help us better understand the bid results and to help create a strategy going forward," the survey states. To take it, go to http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=cbig6ydoaewvoiy781399



Will you be on TV?

WATERLOO, Iowa - The July 27 episode of TLC's hit show, "The Little Couple," will feature co-star Bill Klein's visit to The VGM Group's Heartland Conference. Klein, COO of Emerge Sales, was the event's keynote speaker and his speech, "Think Big," detailed his personal story of triumphs and challenges as he negotiates accessibility as a little person in an average-sized world.



Invacare's Solo takes flight

ELYRIA, Ohio - Invacare's Solo2 Transportable Concentrator has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for use onboard passenger aircraft, the manufacturer announced last week.



Next Open Door Forum: Aug. 25

BALTIMORE - CMS has scheduled its next Open Door Forum for DME on Aug. 25 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST. To listen in, call 800-837-1935 and use the ID 89682139.



Brislin's star rises at Quantum Rehab

EXETER, Pa. - Pride Mobility Products has promoted Jay Brislin to director of Quantum Rehab's product and clinical development. In this new role, he'll work to strengthen sales relationships with providers and clinicians, set product development priorities for all Quantum brands, and continue quality and operational support. Brislin has a master's degree in physical therapy. He joined Pride in July 2000 as an inside Quantum sales specialist and has steadily assumed additional responsibility.