Alliance Seating & Mobiliity
HOME |  LOGIN |  ADVERTISE |  CONTACT
Editorial Calendar | Media Kit
Back Issues | Manage my account
 
  • Markets
  • General news Blogs Editorial Smart Talk Category Development
    • Video
    • Resources
    • Digital Editions
    • Rss Feeds
    • NEWSWIRE
      HME industry attracts spotlight

      WASHINGTON - The hearing on national competitive bidding held by Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., inspired a blitz of media attention last week.

      * On Wednesday, May 7, The Dallas Morning News published a story under the headline "Medicare bid process drawing flak." The story quotes Laurence Wilson of CMS, Evelyn Herndon of Ellis County Home Medical Equipment, John Skoro of XMED Oxygen and Medical Equipment, Ray Ferri of Metroplex Medical Services and Tyler Wilson of AAHomecare.

      * On Tuesday, May 6, The Wall Street Journal published a story under the headline "Lawmakers question Medicare bidding plan." The story starts off: "Members of Congress are expressing concern and scheduling hearings about a Medicare plan to use competitive bidding for products such as wheelchairs and walkers, in a sign that lobbying my medical-equipment companies is gaining traction." The story quotes Stark as saying he'd like national competitive bidding "scrapped." It also quotes AAHomecare's Wilson.

      * Also on Tuesday, May 6, Congress Daily published a story under the headline "CMS chief defends new competitive bidding program." The story says CMS has no plans to back off from competitive bidding, despite a groundswell of concern from members of Congress. The story quotes CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems as saying, "I think the industry's done good job of putting up a smoke screen on this." It also quotes Stark and Frederick Graefe, an Invacare lobbyist.

      * On Monday, May 5, Congressional Quarterly published a story under the headline "Critics of DME competitive bidding program gear up for Tuesday hearing." The story quotes Stark and Wayne Stanfield of the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAIMES), and mentions concerns from the Quality Diabetes Care Coalition, AAHomecare and Invacare. It also quotes Weems as saying that complaints about flaws in the bidding process are unfounded.

      * During the weekend of May 2-4, Media General publications published stories in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida newspapers that quoted David Simmons of Majors Medical Supply, Wayne Sale of Health First, Bill Griffin of Griffin Home Health Care, Beth Bowen of NCAMES and VADMEC, and Michael Reinemer of AAHomecare.

      * On Friday, May 2, the Scranton Times-Tribune, published a story under the headline "Medical equipment sellers to lobby Congress." The story quotes John Shirvinsky of PAMS, Robert Brown of Andrew Brown's Home Care and CMS's Wilson.

      Suggested stories:
    • Oxygen cap: CMS releases more details
    • Surety bond requirement makes comeback
    • Questions linger as oxygen cap kicks in

    • Email to editor | Comments (0)

       
      HME News Info Center
      SOURCE BOOKS
      2009 Complex Rehab Report
      Market takes a pounding p.3... Be upfront p.5...
      HME 2008 State of the Industry
      HME Sleep special report
      2007 State of the Industry
      It's reigning data: As in past years, the 2007 State of the Industry report contains a wealth of information...
      CALENDAR

      July 2009
      Dallas, Texas
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      Des Moines, Iowa.

      Gurnee, Ill. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      South Bend, Ind. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Hosted by Andrea Stark, this teleconference will help attendants understand how to use CMNs; know which situations require a CMN and know which CMNs are accepted by Medicare. 2 p.m. EST. $99 to attend; $99 for recording; $119 to attend and receive recording. FMI and to register, visit www.miravistallc.com.

      Andrea Stark will discuss updated CMN coverage criteria for several topics, including oxygen (initial & revised CMNs, recertification, testing modalities, etc.), lymphedema pumps, seat lift mechanisms, TENS, and enteral nutrition (formulas, pumps, feeding supply kits, etc.).
      For more info:
      http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.

      Two-day intermediate course on seating and mobility presented by Freedom Designs. The seminar is well suited, but not limited to, physical therapists, occupational therapists and equipment suppliers who service the neurologically and/or orthopedically involved client. There is a pediatric focus. The course developer and presenter is Karen "Missy" Ball, MT, PT, ATP. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. White Plains, N.Y. FMI and to register, visit www.freedomdesigns.com.

      Sacramento, Calif., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Presented by Peggy Walker. Billing and Reimbursement Road Show is a hands-on workshop that takes you through the Medicare billing process from start to finish. We will discuss basic billing rules for all DME, as well as how to work through a denied claim. We will review the effective use of ABNs, how to bill for repairs, and the proper documentation requirements for Mobility Assist Equipment. Fraud and abuse issues and current medical policy updates will be addressed. For more info:
      http://www.vgmeducation.com/TravelDetails.asp?ID=295

      St. Louis. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Louisville, Ky. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Columbus, Ohio. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Cincinnati, Ohio
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp


      August 2009
      Andrea Stark will discuss detailed coverage requirements, documentation requirements and billing procedures for 15 DMEPOS products, including respiratory (Oxygen, CPAPS, Bi-Levels), Mobility (wheelchair, accessories, seat lifts) and diabetic supplies.
      For more info:
      http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.

      Pittsburgh. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Two-day intermediate course on seating and mobility presented by Freedom Designs. The seminar is well suited, but not limited to, physical therapists, occupational therapists and equipment suppliers who service the neurologically and/or orthopedically involved client. There is a pediatric focus. The course developer and presenter is Karen "Missy" Ball, MT, PT, ATP. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Nashville, Tenn. FMI and to register, visit www.freedomdesigns.com.

      Albany, N.Y., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The success of your business depends capturing new referrals and billing and collecting for those services quickly and accurately.  On August 6, VGM Education is offering training in these critical areas of your business in one location!  Sales Training University and Billing and Reimbursement Road Show are events that you cannot afford to miss. For more info:
      For more info: http://www.vgmeducation.com/TravelDetails.asp?ID=295

      Richmond, Va. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Cleveland, Ohio
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      Atlantic City, N.J. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Call 1-602-273-7373. Reservations must be made with Phoenix Airport Marriott by July 24.

      Syracuse, N.Y. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Riverside, Calif.
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      Boston. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Kansas City, Mo.
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      Pittsburgh, Pa.
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      Orlando, Fla.
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      During this webinar, Andrea Stark will review what happened with the first round of bidding and what to expect with this new round.
      For more info:
      http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php


      September 2009
      Miami, Fla.
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      Charlotte, N.C.
      VGM's Mark Higley, Alan Morris and John Gallagher will be prepared to discuss all aspects of the revamped competitive bidding program (Round 1.2) in detail, as well as field your questions and provide you with the bidding tools for success.
      For more info, visit http://www.vgmncbservices.com/education.asp

      In an attempt to crack-down on DMEPOS fraud, CMS is imposing some strict regulations that all providers must follow. During this webinar, Andrea Stark will cover: Red Flag Rules, RACs, the PECOS Database & Signature Requirement, Accreditation and the Surety Bond requirement.
      For more info:
      http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.

      Wilkes-Barre, Pa. FMI, www.prideprovider.com, 800-800-8586 ext. 1398

      Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans. FMI, www.ncpanet.org.


      October 2009
      Two-day intermediate course on seating and mobility presented by Freedom Designs. The seminar is well suited, but not limited to, physical therapists, occupational therapists and equipment suppliers who service the neurologically and/or orthopedically involved client. There is a pediatric focus. The course developer and presenter is Karen "Missy" Ball, MT, PT, ATP. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Paducah, Ohio. FMI and to register, visit www.freedomdesigns.com.

      Andrea Stark will address the latest Oxygen clarifications and regulations released from CMS, including: maintenance reimbursements, billing for contents and labor, and regulations for patients traveling with oxygen.
      For more info:
      http://www.miravistallc.com/recent_services.php.

      Two-day intermediate course on seating and mobility presented by Freedom Designs. The seminar is well suited, but not limited to, physical therapists, occupational therapists and equipment suppliers who service the neurologically and/or orthopedically involved client. There is a pediatric focus. The course developer and presenter is Karen "Missy" Ball, MT, PT, ATP. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. San Antonio, Texas. FMI and to register, visit www.freedomdesigns.com.


      November 2009
      Two-day intermediate course on seating and mobility presented by Freedom Designs. The seminar is well suited, but not limited to, physical therapists, occupational therapists and equipment suppliers who service the neurologically and/or orthopedically involved client. There is a pediatric focus. The course developer and presenter is Karen "Missy" Ball, MT, PT, ATP. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Norfolk, Va. FMI and to register, visit www.freedomdesigns.com.


      December 2009
      Two-day intermediate course on seating and mobility presented by Freedom Designs. The seminar is well suited, but not limited to, physical therapists, occupational therapists and equipment suppliers who service the neurologically and/or orthopedically involved client. There is a pediatric focus. The course developer and presenter is Karen "Missy" Ball, MT, PT, ATP. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Tampa, Fla. FMI and to register, visit www.freedomdesigns.com.

      ADVERTISER INDEX
      Aetrex Worldwide
      American Association for Homecare
      Brightree Inc.
      Circadiance
      Clarke Healthcare
      Compliance Team Inc.
      Computers Unlimited
      Definitive Homecare Solutions
      Fastrack Healthcare Systems, Inc.
      Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd.
      GlobTek, Inc.
      Harmar Products
      Home Care by MOEN
      HQAA
      Invacare Corporation
      McKesson/a>
      MedFORCE
      Merits Health Products
      Mini Floor & Pallet
      MK Battery
      Philips Respironics
      Pride Mobility Products Corp.
      QS/1 Data Systems
      Shoprider Mobility Products
      Sunrise Medical
      The Scooter Store
      VGM Group




      HOME       SUBSCRIBE       RESOURCES       ADVERTISE       CONTACT       PRIVACY POLICY      

      United Publications, Inc.
      © 2009 United Publications Inc.