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In brief: CMS trains beneficiaries, Zippie goes live

In brief: CMS trains beneficiaries, Zippie goes live

BALTIMORE - CMS has scheduled training sessions on competitive bidding specifically for beneficiaries, The VGM Group reported last week. "It is extremely important that beneficiaries and referral sources attend these sessions and ask questions regarding the impact of the program," the group stated in a bulletin to members. "According to a DME provider in Kansas City, a recent CMS training session in his area was 'well intended, but not well received' by area discharge planners and social workers. The provider indicated that several key referral sources are 'up in arms' about the program and concerned about access." Sessions were held Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Miami. Other sessions will take place Aug. 25 in Charlotte, N.C. (Ray Hall Community Center); Aug. 24 in Rock Hill, S.C. (Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House); and Aug. 30 in Orlando, Fla. (Orlando Regional Medical Center).



MAC updates CPAP policy

WASHINGTON - National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B MAC, issued clarifying language last week on when a patient may switch from a CPAP (E0601) to a Bi-Level device (E0470). The treating physician must document that the beneficiary has been fitted with an appropriate interface and using it without difficulty; and that the beneficiary cannot tolerate the current pressure setting of the E0601. Lower pressure settings must have been tried and failed. The change is effective for dates of service on or after Aug. 1, 2010.



Zippie Exploration Station goes live on the web

FRESNO, Calif. - Sunrise Medical has launched a new website for kids who use Zippie pediatric wheelchairs and for their parents. The Zippie Exploration Station challenges children with entertaining games, offers a quarterly newsletter and features periodic contests to win prizes. For parents, the site features Zippie product information, a chat room with other parents, resources from various organizations and a newsletter.



Invacare pays dividend

ELYRIA, Ohio - The board of directors of Invacare announced last week that it has declared a cash dividend of $0.0125 per share on its common shares and $0.011364 per share on its Class B common shares payable Oct. 14, 2010 to shareholders of record on Oct. 5, 2010.

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