In brief: Obama targets spending, Walgreens gets smart about diabetes management

WASHINGTON - A fact sheet released last week by the White House includes a provision that would establish "upper limits on Medicaid payments for durable medical equipment," said AAHomecare in its weekly newsletter. The provision was included earlier in the year in the President's 2012 budget. The fact sheet also proposes a $340 million reduction on Medicare spending over 10 years. Last week, the president outlined a plan that would cut the national debt by $4 trillion.

Walgreens gets smart about diabetes management

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Infopia America announced last week that its SmartDiabetes product line has been launched in 284 Walgreens drug stores in central and northeast Florida. The stores will be the first in the national chain to promote integrated and coordinated management of diabetes between patient, physician and pharmacist with the SmartDiabetes product line. The SmartDiabetes product line features both a blood glucose monitor and blood pressure monitor that are enabled to transmit their results to a HIPPA-compliant server for prompt provider and caregiver review.

Authentidate snags telehealth contract

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. - Authentidate announced last week that it has been selected by the Department of Veterans Affairs as one of six approved suppliers for its Telehealth Program. As an approved supplier, VA facilities throughout the country will be able to use Authentidate's Electronic House Call solution, developed through a joint venture with ExpressMD, and its Interactive Voice Response system to remotely monitor patients and enhance patient care. The VA contract spans a five-year period, with a one-year base period and four, one-year renewal periods.

Drive Medical expands presence overseas

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. - Drive Medical announced recently that it has acquired Welland Medical, a manufacturer of homecare products and mobility equipment in the United Kingdom. "This acquisition expands our growing presence in the European marketplace and enhances our position as a global manufacturer," Drive Chairman and CEO Harvey Diamond stated in a release. "In addition, Welland provides increased manufacturing capacity and more diversified design capabilities in Europe."

Cost of parts, accessories to go up

NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio - The Aftermarket Group (TAG) will increase pricing on all parts and accessories up to 7% starting May 1. The company notified customers of the change in an April 1 letter. It blames current pressures from the rising cost of materials, fuel and other commodities for the pricing change. "To offset some of these cost increases, TAG has implemented many cost reduction strategies throughout our entire supply chain and our customers continue to benefit from those, however, cost increases persist." The company last updated its pricing in 2007. TAG is an individually operated subsidiary of Invacare, which has also announced that it will increase pricing May 1.

CPAP review to commence

INDIANPOLIS - National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B DME MAC, will conduct a widespread prepayment review of random claims for CPAP devices (E0601KJ). Suppliers of selected claims must respond with the requested documentation within 30 days from the date of the letter. Documentation will include, among other things, detailed written orders, medical records documenting a face-to-face clinical evaluation and a Medicare-covered sleep test.