In brief: Chairman shows 'interest,' CMS follows up

WASHINGTON - AAHomecare has met again with senior staff from the House Oversight and Reform Committee to discuss its efforts to examine regulations that negatively impact the economy and jobs. The association has discussed with Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the committee, a number of regulations related to competitive bidding, respiratory therapy, power mobility devices, diabetes testing equipment and supplies, and audits. "Issa's staff expressed interest in AAHomecare's concerns and was particularly interested in examples of how CMS has not followed the proper regulatory process relating to HME issues," the association stated in a bulletin to members.

CMS adds another layer to CERT reviews

BALTIMORE - CMS has announced that it will be making follow-up calls to providers about Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) reviews. The agency states in a bulletin: "Our staff may contact you to obtain all necessary medical record documentation for claims reviewed under the CERT program. Although you may have already received letters and telephone calls from the CERT contractor, these additional efforts by CMS to obtain adequate documentation may change your claim's status from 'improper payment' to 'proper payment.' This will allow us to calculate a more accurate Medicare FFS error rate, while also reducing the amount of improper payments."

Pride Mobility announces new tour

EXETER, Pa. - Pride Mobility and Quantum Rehab announced Feb. 21 the stops for its educational new tour. The 2011 Professional Education Partnership will stop in 24 cities beginning in Orlando in March and ending in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in October. The tour features courses like "Mobility Product Troubleshooting and Repair" and "The Science of Mat Evaluation & Wheelchair Prescription." Speakers include Jodie Stogner, a PT and ATP who founded Southeastern Assistive Technology Solutions in Jackson, Miss.; and Bill Pierce, a PT who specializes in neuro-rehab at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Ore. For a complete schedule and a comprehensive course list, go to www.prideprovider.com.

Liberator enjoys growth, secures credit

STUART, Fla. - Liberator Medical's sales were up 33% for the fourth quarter of 2010, the mail order provider of diabetes and other supplies reported Feb. 23. Sales increased to $12.2 million for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2010, compared to sales of $9.16 million for the same period in 2009. It is the 11th consecutive quarter that sales have increased, stated CEO Mark Libratore in a release. Gross profit for the quarter increased by $1.96 million or 33.1% to $7.87 million compared to $5.91 million for the same period in 2009. Liberator credited its direct response advertising campaign as a primary reason for the company's continued growth. Liberator's advertising expenses increased by 135% to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2010. On Feb. 14, the provider announced it had secured a line of credit from PNC Financial Services Group. The line of credit of $6.5 million to $8.5 million will enable the company to further increase its marketing efforts and accelerate growth, stated Libratore.