Briefs: Two diabetes providers settle No-Call allegations

JACKSON, Miss. - Direct Diabetic Source and Med-Care Diabetic & Medical Supplies in February settled allegations that they had violated the state's No-Call Law. According to local news reports, the Mississippi Public Service alleged that the providers did not register as telephone solicitors, did not buy the Mississippi No-Call List and called consumers listed on the No-Call List. The providers paid $5,000 each to settle the claims.

Smith & Nephew passes the billion-dollar mark

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Smith & Nephew's advanced wound management division exceeded $1 billion in revenues in 2011, a company first, it said in a statement. Full year revenue for 2010 was $912 million. For the fourth quarter, which ended Dec. 31, 2011, the division posted revenues of $271 million, an 8% increase over the same period in 2010. The company launched 35 new products in 2011 and expects to maintain a similar level in 2012, it stated.

Catheter claims flunk paperwork requirements

WASHINGTON - Nearly 85% of claims for intermittent sterile catheter kits (A4353) were denied during the fourth quarter of 2011, according to a targeted review by National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B DME MAC. The DME MAC reviewed 635 claims for medical necessity. The review found 84.3% of claims denied: 48% because documentation did not support the level of service and 34% because no documentation was returned. Suppliers can review documentation guidelines in the urological supplies local coverage determination (L27219) and policy article (A47236).

Shield Healthcare creates new award

VALENCIA, Calif. - Shield HealthCare in March announced the recipients of its first annual Reader's Choice Award winners. The mail order provider created the Reader's Choice Award after it received a record 580 entries as part of its 11th annual "What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?" contest. Shield selected eight winners, and then invited the public to vote for their favorite caregiver stories. The Reader's Choice winners are: Carol L. of Topeka, Kan., caregiver for her mother with dementia; Shelley H. of Robinson, Texas, nurse and caregiver for her two disabled children; and Debra B. of Enid, Okla., professional caregiver.

Short take

Provider Lisa Feierstein in February was named a 2012 Top Entrepreneuer by Business Leader magazine. Feierstein is the co-founder of Raleigh, N.C.-based IntegraSleep and Active Healthcare. Each year, Business Leader recognizes top entrepreneurs in the South.