In brief: Register to bid, fight new demo

BALTIMORE - CMS urged HME providers not to wait to register for Round 2 of competitive bidding in a bulletin last week. Providers interested in bidding must register all employees who will enter information into DbidS to obtain a user ID and password from the Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services (IACS) system. Only employees that have this ID and password will be able to access DBidS. Designate one authorized official (AO) listed on the CMS--855s to act as AO for registration purposes; the AO may designate backup authorized AOs. AOs should register no later than Dec. 22, 2011 and BAOs should register no later than Jan 12, 2012. To register, go to the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website.

Stakeholders fight new demo

WASHINGTON - Industry stakeholders and consumer advocates are calling on Congress to stop a new demonstration project for power mobility devices because they say it will jeopardize access to the equipment. Tyler Wilson, AAHomecare's president and CEO, stated in a bulletin last week that CMS should work with the power mobility community to derive a system that will curtail fraud, while allowing providers to keep their doors open. AMEPA stated in a bulletin last week that "we are getting traction" with lawmakers through information sheets and conference calls. Due to these efforts, lawmakers are reaching out to CMS, according to AMEPA.

New homecare player: ArjoHuntleigh

ADDISON, Illinois - ArjoHuntleigh announced last week that it has launched a new division and product portfolio focused exclusively on developing and distributing medical equipment to people in homecare settings. ArjoHuntleigh Home Care will offer a range of products that aid in the caring of individuals at home, including patient handling systems, hygiene systems, therapeutic surfaces, medical beds, lymphedema treatment and bariatric care. ArjoHuntleigh has a global presence with more than 4,400 employees serving 100 countries. It's known for its Sara line of standing-and-raising aides, Voyager and Maxi-Sky ceiling lifts, Freedom bathing system, Minuet bed and Nimbus/DFS therapeutic surfaces.

NovaSom launches sleep management platform

GLEN BURNIE, Md. - NovaSom launched a cloud-based sleep apnea management program, it announced last week. MediTrack enables processing of payer-specific medical policy, billing, utilization management and therapy. The system allows physicians to order a NovaSom home sleep test online or by fax; manages the upload of patient sleep data for interpretation; and publishes the study results for delivery to the physician.

Error rate for K0823? 90% in Jurisdiction D

WASHINGTON - CMS has reported that the K0823 error rate in Jurisdiction D for 432 claims from July 2011 to October 2011 was 90%. Top reasons for denial included insufficient medical records submitted to justify medical necessity; and required documentation not submitted in full or was not complete. Thirty-one claims were denied because providers didn't respond to additional documentation requests.

FAHCS offers bid seminar

DORAL, Fla. - The Florida Alliance of Home Care Services (FAHCS) will hold a competitive bidding seminar Jan. 5 at the Marriott in Jacksonville, Fla. The daylong seminar will feature bidding experts, Round 1 bidders and the CBIC ombudsman. The seminar is $99 and includes lunch. To register.